Schwassmann-Wachmann I Comet

Schwassmann-Wachmann I Comet

 

a periodic comet discovered in 1927 by the German astronomers A. Schwassmann and A. Wachmann at the observatory in Bergedorf. The Schwassmann-Wachmann I comet is distinguished by its near-circular, planet-like orbit, located between the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn, by virtue of which it can be observed at any point in its orbit. It is characterized by irregular bursts, during which its brightness increases by a factor of 100 or more, and a uniformly expanding shell—a halo—forms around its head. A connection between these bursts and manifestations of solar activity is hypothesized. The comet can be seen only through strong telescopes.