
( Brand: Comet ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 211627A-1 ), ( Type: Auto ), ( UPC: 815646011460 )
Comet 211627 (also known as NEAT-Comet 1, C/2011 L4, or 211P/Lemmon) is a short-period comet discovered on June 6, 2011, by the Near-Earth Object Wide-field Survey (NEOWS) at the Palomar Observatory in California. With an orbital period of approximately 5.5 years, this comet returns to the inner solar system every 5 years.
The nucleus of Comet 211627 is estimated to be around 2.5 kilometers in diameter, making it a moderately sized comet. Its orbital inclination is relatively low at 1.9 degrees, which indicates a relatively close approach to the ecliptic plane. The comet's orbital eccentricity is high at 0.995, which results in a highly elliptical orbit that brings it close to the Sun and the planets during its approach.
Comet 211627's orbit brings it in close proximity to Mars, which is believed to be responsible for its short period. The last perihelion passage occurred on November 14, 2013, when the comet came within 0.25 astronomical units (AU) of the Sun. During this approach, the comet developed a spectacular dust tail that stretched over 100,000 kilometers, making it one of the most impressive displays of a short-period comet in recent history.
As the comet approaches the Sun, it undergoes significant changes. The heat causes the volatile ices on the nucleus to vaporize, releasing water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases. These gases form a tenuous coma around the nucleus, which in turn ionizes to form a plasma tail. The coma and tail can extend millions of kilometers from the nucleus, making the comet a truly spectacular sight.
The composition of Comet 211627 is still being studied, but it is believed to be a Jupiter family comet, meaning that it originated from the outer regions of the solar system and was likely perturbed into a short-period orbit by Jupiter or another planet. The comet's spectral data suggests that it contains a significant amount of water ice, as well as organic materials and refractory grains.
In summary, Comet 211627 is a moderately sized short-period comet with a highly elliptical orbit that brings it close to the Sun and the planets every 5 years. During its approach, it undergoes significant changes as the volatile ices on its nucleus vaporize, forming a coma and a plasma tail. The composition of the comet suggests that it is a Jupiter family comet, and its last perihelion passage in 2013 resulted in a spectacular display of a dust tail.
Comet 211/Lemmon (211627 A-1) is a long-period comet that was discovered in 2000. Here are some pros and cons of buying a telescope with the specific goal of observing this comet:
Pros:1. Unique Observing Opportunity: Comet 211/Lemmon is a rare and interesting object to observe. Its orbit brings it close to the Sun, making it bright enough to be seen with the naked eye under good conditions and even with binoculars or a small telescope.
2. Educational Value: Observing a comet can be an excellent educational experience, especially for children. It provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about astronomy, the solar system, and the scientific process.
3. Availability: Comet 211/Lemmon is currently visible in the night sky, making it a timely observing target. Its brightness and position are expected to continue improving throughout the year, making it an ideal target for amateur astronomers.
4. Accessibility: A small telescope is all that's needed to observe Comet 211/Lemmon, making it accessible to a wide range of people.
Cons:1. Limited Observing Window: Comets are transient objects, and their appearance in the night sky is subject to change. Comet 211/Lemmon's brightness and position will continue to change throughout the year, and it will eventually fade from view.
2. Cost: Buying a telescope can be an expensive investment. While there are affordable options available, the cost can still be a barrier for some people.
3. Learning Curve: Using a telescope effectively requires some learning and practice. It can take time to learn how to align the telescope, find the comet, and observe it effectively.
Conclusion:Observing Comet 211/Lemmon with a telescope can be a rewarding and educational experience. While there are some cons to consider, such as the limited observing window and the cost of a telescope, the pros, including the unique observing opportunity and the educational value, make it worth considering.
Recommendation:If you're interested in observing Comet 211/Lemmon with a telescope, I would recommend starting with a small, affordable telescope that is easy to use. You can find many good options in the $100 to $300 range that are suitable for observing bright objects like comets. Additionally, be sure to consult observing guides and astronomy websites for more information on how to find and observe the comet effectively.
This item comes with the full manufacturers warranty. The color, quantity, size, etc. The compatibility section is not always 100% accurate.
Fast Free, Shipping: Brand Comet, Part Number 211627A-1, UPC Code 0, Condition New. May not be accurate.