21P/Giacobini–Zinner
Semi-major axis 3.492 AU | | |
Eccentricity | 0.7110 | |
---|---|---|
Orbital period | 6.52 yr | |
Inclination | 32.050° | |
Last perihelion | 2018-Sep-10[1][2] February 11, 2012[3] July 2, 2005[3] | |
Next perihelion | 2025-Mar-25[3][4] | |
Earth MOID | 0.018 AU (2,700,000 km)[1] | |
Physical characteristics | ||
Dimensions | 2 km[1] |
Comet Giacobini–Zinner (officially designated 21P/Giacobini–Zinner) is a
The
Giacobini–Zinner was the target of the International Cometary Explorer spacecraft, which passed through its plasma tail on September 11, 1985. Earlier in the same month the comet was observed by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter[6] In addition, Japanese space officials considered redirecting the Sakigake interplanetary probe toward a 1998 encounter with Giacobini–Zinner, but that probe lacked the propellant for the necessary maneuvers and the project was abandoned.
During the apparition of 2018, the optical spectra have revealed the comet is depleted in carbon-chain molecules and carbon dioxide, likely indicating its origin in relatively warm portion of the Solar system.[7]
References
- ^ a b c d e "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 21P/Giacobini–Zinner" (last observation:2013-04-01). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2016-01-10.
- Syuichi Nakano (2012-02-05). "21P/Giacobini-Zinner (NK 2191)". OAA Computing and Minor Planet Sections. Retrieved 2012-02-18.
- ^ a b c MPC
- ^ "Horizons Batch for 21P/Giacobini-Zinner (90000322) on 2025-Mar-25" (Perihelion occurs when rdot flips from negative to positive). JPL Horizons. Retrieved 2021-04-10. (JPL#K182/14 Soln.date: 2021-Mar-23)
- ^ King, Bob (29 August 2018). "Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner Shines in September – Sky & Telescope". Sky & Telescope. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ISBN 9780387493268.
- .
External links
- Orbital simulation from JPL (Java) / Horizons Ephemeris
- 21P/Giacobini-Zinner – Seiichi Yoshida @ aerith.net
- 21P at Kronk's Cometography
- Comet 21P – Comet Watch