X/1979 O3

Copyright © 1979 by Charles T. Kowal This photo was taken by Kowal at Palomar Observatory in California, on 1979 July 26. It was a 1-hour and 15-minute exposure. The comet trailed during the exposure and was moving at a rate of 9.5' per day toward PA 261°. North is up, while east is to the left. (Special thanks to Charles T. Kowal for allowing me to use this image). Discovery      This was one of two "probable" comets found by Charles T. Kowal (Palomar Observatory, California, USA) during September of 1979. The announcement came on IAU Circular No. 3405 (1979 September 14). Kowal was examining plates obtained with the 1.20-m Schmidt telescope two months earlier, when he found two comet-like objects on two plates exposed on July 26 and 27. This object was described as "only marginally diffuse." The total magnitude was given as 18. Positions Analysis C. M. Bardwell and B. G. Marsden suggested this comet was moving in a short-period orbit, but added that it "could well be a Hilda-type minor planet." C&MS Home  |  cometography.com  |  Current  |  Periodic  |  Sungrazers  |  Links  |  Comet Information Media Inquiries If you have any questions, please email me