Comet 45P/H-M-P - Orbit


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Orbit of Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova

Orbital Elements (2017 apparition)

Epoch JD 2457753
Perihelion Time T = Dec 31, 2016 06:23:41 UT
Perihelion Time (JD) T = 2457753.766445
Orbital Period P = 5.271 yr
Semi-major Axis a = 3.0287 AU
Perihelion Distance q = 0.53255 AU
Eccentricity e = 0.8241
Inclination (J2000) i = 4.249°
Ascending Node (J2000) Ω = 89.009°
Argument of Perihelion (J2000) ω = 326.260°
Perigee Time t = Feb 11, 2017 10:26 UT
Perigee Distance Δ = 0.08316 AU

Full Orbit From Above

View of 45P/H-M-P's orbit as seen from the North ecliptic pole with the comet and planets shown at the time of the comet's closest approach to Earth. From the JPL Small-Body Database Browser. View of 45P/H-M-P's entire orbit.

Orbit in Oblique View

Oblique view of the portion of comet 45P/H-M-P's orbit around perigee, viewed from 20° above the ecliptic plane. The black circle and Earth symbol denote the comet's and Earth's positions, respectively, at perigee (Feb 11, 2017). Tick marks at 15 day intervals show the orbit's position above or below the ecliptic plane. Oblique view of 45P/H-M-P's orbit.

PDF Version PDF Version in 3D (cross-eyed view) PDF Version in 3D (red-blue glasses)

Orbit in Earth Co-Orbital View

The orbit of comet 45P/H-M-P around perihelion, in the Earth's co-orbital reference frame, as seen from above (top panel) and in the ecliptic plane (bottom panel). The black circle denotes the comet's position at perihelion (Dec 31, 2016) and the open circles show positions at 30-day intervals. Plot of 45P/H-M-P's orbit in Earth-co-orbital frame.

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