Comet LINEAR

Definition

Comet LINEAR is a comet discovered by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research project in 2000. It has a highly elliptical orbit that brings it close to the Sun and then out to the far reaches of the Solar System.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comet LINEAR was discovered on March 3, 2000, by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) project.
2. The comet's official designation is C/2000 WM1.
3. Comet LINEAR has a highly elliptical orbit with a period of approximately 43,000 years.
4. It reached perihelion, its closest approach to the Sun, on January 22, 2002.
5. Despite initial excitement, Comet LINEAR did not become as bright as some astronomers had predicted.

Review Questions

• When and by whom was Comet LINEAR discovered?
• What is the orbital period of Comet LINEAR?
• Did Comet LINEAR achieve the brightness levels initially predicted by astronomers?

Related terms

Perihelion: The point in an object's orbit where it is closest to the Sun.

Elliptical Orbit: A type of orbit that follows an elongated path around a celestial body.

Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR): A project aimed at discovering and tracking near-Earth objects such as asteroids and comets.