周期彗星斯威夫特-塔特尔

周期彗星斯威夫特-塔特尔

Periodic Comet Swift-Tuttle
Image Credit & Copyright: Gerald Rhemann

Explanation: A Halley-type comet with an orbital period of about 133 years, Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle is recognized as the parent of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. The comet’s last visit to the inner Solar System was in 1992. Then, it did not become easily visible to the naked eye, but it did become bright enough to see from most locations with binoculars and small telescopes. This stunning color image of Swift-Tuttle’s greenish coma, long ion tail and dust tail was recorded using film on November 24, 1992. That was about 16 days after the large periodic comet’s closest approach to Earth. Comet Swift-Tuttle is expected to next make an impressive appearance in night skies in 2126. Meanwhile, dusty cometary debris left along the orbit of Swift-Tuttle will continue to be swept up creating planet Earth’s best-known July and August meteor shower.

Tomorrow’s picture: perseids in space

周期彗星斯威夫特-塔特尔
影像提供与版权: Gerald Rhemann

说明: 斯威夫特-塔特尔彗星（109P/Swift-Tuttle）是一颗轨道周期约为133年的哈雷型彗星。这颗彗星咸认是英仙座流星雨的母源，而它上次回访太阳系内围是在1992年。当时它并没亮到肉眼可见的程度，但是在大多数地点用双筒和小望远镜皆可观赏。这张摄于1992年11月24日的彩色照片，呈现了斯威夫特-塔特尔彗星的绿色彗发、颀长的离子尾和尘埃尾。影像拍照的时间点，则是在这颗周期大彗星通过近地点后的16天左右。在2126年，斯威夫特-塔特尔彗星将再次于地球的夜空中展现它的风采。在此同时，地球每年都会穿过斯威夫特-塔特尔彗星留在轨道上的尘埃碎片，带来7月与8月最著名的流星雨。

明日的图片: perseids in space