 |
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
|
|
Jupiter-type comet
A comet with a period of less than 20 years and a semimajor axis shorter or roughly the same as that of Jupiter’s orbit. Such comets differ from both long-period comets and Halley-type comets (the other main variety of short-period comet) in that their orbits are inclined to the plane of Earth's orbit at no more than 40°, whereas the longer-period comets enter the planetary region randomly from all directions. Jupiter-type comets are believed to have come from the Kuiper Belt.
Related category
• COMETS
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History
Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)