Shoemaker-Levy 9, Comet (D/1993 F2)
 |
Impact marks in Jupiter's atmosphere from the collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9
|
The only comet ever seen to collide with a planet. It was discovered by Carolyn and Eugene Shoemaker and David Levy on March 25, 1993 while it was in orbit around Jupiter. After coming to close to the giant in 1992, it had broken into a chain of 21 fragments, the largest some 2 to 3 km in diameter. These fragments rammed into Jupiter's atmosphere from July 16 to 22, 1994, creating fireballs and producing a series of black mushroom clouds, some larger than Asia, that that rose several thousand kilometers above the Jovian clouds. The vast black dark markings remained visible for months. Among the many space-borne instruments trained on this spectacular event were those of Voyager 2, Galileo, the International Ultraviolet Explorer, Ulysses, and the Hubble Space Telescope.
Related category
• COMETS
Archived news
Remnants of 1994 comet impact leave puzzle at Jupiter (Aug 24, 2004)
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History
Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)
BACK TO TOP
|
