 Comet 31P/Schwassmann-Wachmann observed on February 14, 2011 | |
| Discovery | |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Arnold Schwassmann Arno Arthur Wachmann |
| Discovery date | 17 January 1929 |
| Designations | |
| P/1929 B1, P/1934 X1[1] | |
| |
| Orbital characteristics[3][4] | |
| Epoch | March 6, 2006 |
| Aphelion | 5.048 AU |
| Perihelion | 3.416 AU |
| Semi-major axis | 4.232AU |
| Eccentricity | 0.1928 |
| Orbital period | 8.705a |
| Inclination | 4.5487° |
| Last perihelion | July 6, 2019 September 29, 2010[2] January 18, 2002[2] |
| Next perihelion | 19 March 2028 |
| Physical characteristics[5] | |
Mean diameter | 6.2 km (3.9 mi) |
| 5.58±0.03 hours | |
| Comet total magnitude (M1) | 7.2 |
| Comet nuclear magnitude (M2) | 14.0 |
31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann, also known asSchwassmann–Wachmann 2, is aperiodic comet in theSolar System. It was discovered on 17 January 1929, at anapparent magnitude of 11.[6] The comet has been seen at every apparition.
Thecomet nucleus is estimated to be 6.2 km (3.9 mi) in diameter.[3] In 1929, the astronomerAnne Sewell Young identified the comet with an object that had been misidentified as the minor planet "Adelaide" (A904 EB).[7]
| Numbered comets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Previous 30P/Reinmuth | 31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann | Next 32P/Comas Solà |
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