53P/Van Biesbroeck

53P/Van Biesbroeck is a periodic comet about Template:Cvt in diameter.Template:R Its current orbital period is 12.67 years.

Observational history

The comet was discovered by George Van Biesbroeck of the Yerkes Observatory on 1 September 1954 while searching for the asteroid 1953 GC.Template:R The comet had an estimated apparent magnitude of 14.5 and appeared well condensed. The comet was then Template:Convert from Earth and Template:Convert from the Sun and had passed from its perigee, which took place on 17 August 1954. The comet was followed until 13 November 1955.Template:R

Orbit

This comet and 42P/Neujmin are fragments of a parent comet that split around March 1845.Template:R The orbit of 53P/Van Biesbroeck has a Jupiter minimum orbit intersection distance (MOID) of only Template:Convert.Template:R The next perihelion passage is on Christmas Eve 24 December 2028.Template:R The comet is expected to brighten to about apparent magnitude 14.

Physical characteristics

The nucleus of the comet has a radius of Template:Cvt based on observations by the Keck Observatory.Template:R

External links

• Template:JPL Small Body
• 53P at Kronk's Cometography