118P/Shoemaker–Levy

118P/Shoemaker–Levy (also known as periodic comet Shoemaker–Levy 4) is a comet discovered by astronomers Carolyn and Eugene M. Shoemaker and David Levy.[1]

118P/Shoemaker-Levy
118P when 2AU from the Sun
Discovery
Discovered byCarolyn S. Shoemaker
Eugene Merle Shoemaker
David H. Levy
Discovery dateFebruary 9, 1991[1]
Designations
118P/1991 C2; 1990 XII; 1991f; 118P/1995 M1
Orbital characteristics
EpochMay 1, 2009
(JD 2454952.5)
Aphelion4.943 AU
Perihelion1.984 AU
Semi-major axis3.463 AU
Eccentricity0.4272
Orbital period6.45 yr
Inclination8.509°
Last perihelion2022-Nov-24[2]
June 16, 2016[3]
January 2, 2010[4][3]
Next perihelion2029-01-11[2]

During the 2010 apparition the comet became as bright as apparent magnitude 11.5.[5]

The comet nucleus is estimated to be 4.8 kilometers in diameter.[1]

On December 3, 2015, comet Shoemaker–Levy 4 will pass 0.0442 AU (6,610,000 km; 4,110,000 mi) from asteroid 4 Vesta.[6]

This comet should not be confused with Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 (D/1993 F2) which spectacularly crashed into Jupiter in 1994.

References
  1. "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4" (2009-11-28 last obs). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  2. "118P/Shoemaker–Levy Orbit". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  3. Syuichi Nakano (2009-09-01). "118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4 (NK 1820)". OAA Computing and Minor Planet Sections. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  4. Seiichi Yoshida (2008-11-26). "118P/Shoemaker–Levy 4". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  5. Seiichi Yoshida (2010-01-17). "Weekly Information about Bright Comets (2010 Jan. 16: North)". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
  6. "JPL Close-Approach Data: 118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4" (2009-11-28 last obs). Retrieved 2010-03-03.


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