This image of periodic Comet Hergenrother 168P was captured while it was eight days past perihelion or closest approach to the Sun. Hergenrother is presently just inside the orbit of Mars and will travel slightly beyond the orbit of Jupiter at its greatest distance from the Sun or aphelion. The comet can be found in the Great Square of Pegasus just south of Alpheratz. Hergenrother’s current perihelion coincides with a favorably close approach to Earth of just 0.44 Astronomical Units AU making its coma and nucleus easily visible through a 5 inch refractor and respond nicely to high power viewing.
Menu
