COMET HOLMES 2007
Comet Holmes moves slowly against the background stars of
Perseus.
The crosses show its approximate position for five dates in
November and December of 2007. The Comet, discovered in 1892, has a period around the Sun
of 6.88 years at an average distance of 3.62 Astronomical Units.
An orbital eccentricity of 0.43
takes it as far from the Sun as 5.18 AU and as close as 2.05 AU.
The orbital inclination of 19 degrees to the ecliptic plane can take it
rather well out of the zodiac. Closest approach to Earth, where
it is 2.5 Astronomical Units from the Sun and 1.6 from Earth,
Takes place on November 6, 2007. Comet Holmes passes opposition to the Sun
on November 29.
(Return to STARS or
Skylights".)