Astronomy Picture of the Day · January 2, 2017

Comet 45P Returns

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 2, 2017 is “Comet 45P Returns,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Fritz Helmut Hemmerich). The original explanation runs about 140 words.

From the explanation

“An old comet has returned to the inner Solar System. Not only is Comet 45P/HondaMrkosPajdukov physically ancient, it was first discovered 13 orbits ago in 1948.”

— APOD editors, January 2, 2017

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: January 2, 2017
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Fritz Helmut Hemmerich
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 140 words

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, January 2, 2017 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2017-january-2-comet-45p-returns

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.