31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann

31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann, also known as Schwassmann–Wachmann 2, is a periodic comet in the Solar System. It was discovered on January 17, 1929, at an apparent magnitude of 11.[3] The comet has been seen at every apparition.

31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann
Discovery
Discovered byArnold Schwassmann
Arno Arthur Wachmann
Discovery dateJanuary 17, 1929
Alternative
designations		1929 I; 1935 III; 1942 I;
1948 VII; 1955 I; 1961 VII;
1968 II; 1974 XIII; 1981 VI;
1987 XIX; 1994 II
Orbital characteristics A
EpochMarch 6, 2006
Aphelion5.048 AU
Perihelion3.416 AU
Semi-major axis4.232 AU
Eccentricity0.1928
Orbital period8.705 a
Inclination4.5487°
Last perihelionJuly 6, 2019
September 29, 2010[1]
January 18, 2002[1]
Next perihelion2028-03-19[2]

The comet nucleus is estimated to be 6.2 kilometers in diameter.[4] In 1929, the astronomer Anne Sewell Young identified the comet with an object that had been misidentified as the minor planet "Adelaide" (A904 EB).[5]

References
  1. Seiichi Yoshida (2008-10-26). "31P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 2". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-01-24.
  2. "31P/Schwassmann-Wachmann Orbit". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
  3. Kronk, Gary W. "31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 2". Retrieved 2010-01-24. (Cometography Home Page)
  4. "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 2" (2010-01-21 last obs). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2010-02-26.
  5. "Long 'Lost' Planet Found Masquerading as Comet". Oakland Tribune. June 21, 1929. p. 31. Retrieved November 9, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.
Numbered comets
Previous
30P/Reinmuth		 31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann Next
32P/Comas Solà


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