Astronomy Picture of the Day · May 4, 2006

Schwassmann-Wachmann 3: Fragment B

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 4, 2006 is “Schwassmann-Wachmann 3: Fragment B,” an image. It is credited to Credit: NASA , ESA , H. Weaver ( JHU / APL ), M. Mutchler and Z. Levay ( STScI ). The original explanation runs about 174 words.

From the explanation

“Periodic comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 has fallen apart before. A cosmic souffle of ice and dust left over from the early solar system, this comet was seen to split into several large pieces during the close-in part of its orbit in 1995.”

— APOD editors, May 4, 2006

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: May 4, 2006
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: NASA , ESA , H. Weaver ( JHU / APL ), M. Mutchler and Z. Levay ( STScI )
Copyright: No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 174 words

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Topics in this entry

Comets

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: May 4 in other years

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, May 4, 2006 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2006-may-4-schwassmann-wachmann-3-fragment-b

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.