138P/Shoemaker–Levy, also known as Shoemaker–Levy 7, is a faint periodic comet in the Solar System. The comet last came to perihelion on 11 June 2012,[2] but only brightened to about apparent magnitude 20.5.[3]

138P/Shoemaker–Levy
Discovery
Discovered byCarolyn S. Shoemaker
Eugene Merle Shoemaker
David H. Levy
Discovery dateNovember 13, 1991
Designations
1991 XIX; 1998 O1
Orbital characteristics
EpochMarch 6, 2006
Aphelion5.548 AU
Perihelion1.707 AU
Semi-major axis3.628 AU
Eccentricity0.5294
Orbital period6.91 a
Inclination10.0797°
Last perihelionMay 2, 2019[1]
June 11, 2012[2]
July 19, 2005
Next perihelion2026-Mar-24[1]

There were 4 recovery images of 138P on 8 August 2018 by Pan-STARRS when the comet had a magnitude of about 21.5.[1] The comet comes to perihelion on 2 May 2019.

This comet should not be confused with Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 (D/1993 F2), which crashed into Jupiter in 1994.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "138P/Shoemaker-Levy Orbit". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 2014-06-18.
  2. ^ a b Syuichi Nakano (2009-04-22). "138P/Shoemaker-Levy 7 (NK 1768)". OAA Computing and Minor Planet Sections. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  3. ^ Seiichi Yoshida (2012-02-21). "138P/Shoemaker-Levy 7 (2012)". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
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