104P/Kowal 2

Japanese version
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Updated on January 4, 2023

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* Profile

Kazuo Kinoshita's calculation revealed that it passes close by Jupiter frequently, and it has been getting closer to the sun gradually. The perihelion distance was 1.5 A.U. at the discovery in 1979, then reduces down to 1.4 A.U. in 1998, 1.2 A.U. in 2015, 1.1 A.U. in 2022 and 0.98 A.U. in 2033.

While getting closer to the sun, it must be observable brighter on and on theoretically. But actually, the brightness of this comet is unstable, completely different among every appearance.

It was very faint as 17 mag in 1979, however, it was very bright in 1991 and 1998. Then it became faint again in 2004.

An unusual outburst up to 9.5 mag was also observed in 1972.

* Returns and Appearances

!Discovered *Appeared -Not observed #Appeared before discovery +Not observed before discovery .Returns in the future
.
2027 Oct. 13
* 104P
2022 Jan. 11
* 104P
2016 Mar. 28
-
2010 May 4
* 104P
2004 May 9
* 104P
1998 Mar. 2
* 104P/1991 X1
1991 Nov. 4
-
1985 June 10
! 104P/1979 B1
1979 Jan. 13
# 104P
1972 Aug. 4

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The perihelion dates in the past appearances are printed on Catalog of Cometary Orbits 1996.
The perihelion date in 1972 is printed on IAUC 8255.
The perihelion date in 1985 is calculated using the Minor Planet & Comet Ephemeris Service.
Information on the discovery and historical highlights are available at General Comet Info (Gary W. Kronk).
The past and future orbital elements calculated by Kazuo Kinoshita (http://www9.ocn.ne.jp/~comet/pcmtn/0104p.htm).

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Copyright(C) Seiichi Yoshida (comet@aerith.net). All rights reserved.