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SpeedN-NM Comet Elenin (C/2010 X1) appears as a tiny, faint smudge in this stack of four 240-second exposures taken on the morning of December 10, 2010, with a remote-controlled telescope in New Mexico. (The quadrupled stars are due to the comet's motion between exposures.)
E - Earth
W - Venus
M - Mars
The little black curved line represents Mercury.
Hopefully, it should be visible somewhere around mid-August. Its closest approach to the Sun is scheduled in the first half of September. Where it will go exactly - we do not know. Since its orbit is close to the ecliptic plane, it should be visible low in the sky. Orbital parameters are yet uncertain. So far it looks harmless:
Elenin's predicted brightness:
An interesting alignment occurs right around the autumnal equinox where we have Earth, Comet Elenin, the Sun and almost Mercury lined up like ducks.
Now, have a look at this image:
Originally posted by AboveTheTrees
To me it's the most anticipated comet ever
Originally posted by flashcube
reply to post by Ophiuchus 13
What do you suppose is "Elenin" orbiting? I mean if the planets in our solar system are orbiting around the sun, because of its gravitational pull... then what do you suppose provides the "Pull" that keeps this object from just zipping by in a straight line? If the "pull that is keeping "E", in an eliptical orbit was that strong...why wouldnt this same "pull",screw up the orbits of planets within our solar system.
Disclaimer I dont know if I even framed my question the right way, so take it easy please
edit on 9-3-2011 by flashcube because: sp.
Originally posted by flashcube
I mean if the planets in our solar system are orbiting around the sun, because of its gravitational pull... then what do you suppose provides the "Pull" that keeps this object from just zipping by in a straight line? If the "pull that is keeping "E", in an eliptical orbit was that strong...why wouldnt this same "pull",screw up the orbits of planets within our solar system.
Disclaimer I dont know if I even framed my question the right way, so take it easy please
edit on 9-3-2011 by flashcube because: sp.
Originally posted by xxshadowfaxx
Its just a comet. No danger. Move along. Wasn't this comet supposed to be the end of the world like, 5 days ago?