· ·

Comet 45P to flyby Earth on February 11, 2017

comet-45p-honda-mrkos-pajdusakova-flyby-february-11-2017

After more than 5 years, Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova, also known as the Green Comet, will make another close approach to Earth. It can be seen using small telescopes, but 45P has lost its tail after it passed the perihelion (closest approach to the Sun). Currently, it is 3 times dimmer than expected and it's unlikely it will reach naked-eye visibility.

At the time of its closest approach, around 08:20 UTC on February 11, 2017, Comet 45P will flyby Earth at a safe distance of 32.4 LD (12.4 million km / 7.7 million miles) at a speed (relative to the Earth) of 22.91 km/s.

45P is a Jupiter-family comet with an estimated diameter of 1.6 km (0.99 miles). Its green color comes from diatomic carbon (C2) emitted from its nucleus. 

YouTube video

Comet 45P as seen on February 8, 2017. Credit: Tom Polakis

According to the Minor Planet Center, this is the 8th closest pass of any comet in the modern era (since ~1950, when modern technology started being used to study comets). Interestingly, 45P made an even closer approach on its previous orbit (23 LD), so it is also on the list as the 5th closest, Dr. Tony Phillips of the SpaceWeather.com reports.

Analyzing new photos submitted to his website on February 7, it became apparent that the comet has lost its tail. Phillips said that solar heating, as the comet passed perihelion, might have vaporized so much material from the comet's icy core that there is insufficient left for a flamboyant tail. For the same reason, the comet may be dimmer than expected. 

Amateur astronomers with small telescopes can still see it, but it seems unlikely 45P will become a naked eye comet. 

It is currently visible in the morning sky in the constellation Hercules. It will then pass through constellations Corona Borealis, Bootes, Canes Venatici, Ursa Major and onto Leo by the end of February.

The next time this comet comes close to Earth will be in 2022.

Featured image: Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova on December 22, 2016. Credit: Gerard Rehmannin

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

6 Comments

  1. An evening of celestial viewing! With the snow moon peaking in The Great Plains of the US at 6:43 CST, followed by ‘The Green Comet’ 45P passing a mere 7.7 miles away, be sure to grab your telescope(or binoculars). We’ll miss 45P’s green tail this year but a viewing party is still well worth your time!!

    1. The comets fly by was during the pm. The lunar eclipsee can still be seen tonight (11th), at 6:43pm in North America. This will be a slow gradual eclipse. Awesome to see in a clear night sky.

Leave a Reply to Kara Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *