Biela, Comet 3D/

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | 700+ words | Copyright

Biela, Comet 3D/ A now-disintegrated periodic comet discovered in 1772 by the French amateur astronomer Jacques Laibats-Montaigne (1716–88), rediscovered in 1805 by J. L.Pons, and rediscovered again in 1826 by the Austrian amateur Wilhelm von Biela (1782–1856), who calculated the orbit and showed that all three objects were identical. At the return of 1845/6, the comet's nucleus was observed to have split into two. The double comet returned in 1852, but nothing was seen of it thereafter. Confirmation that it had disintegrated came in 1872November when its debris produced a storm of Andromedid meteors. Comet Biela had an orbital period of 6.6 years, perihelion 0.86 AU, eccentricity 0.76, and inclination 12°.6.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"Biela, Comet 3D/." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Biela, Comet 3D/." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-BielaComet3D.html

"Biela, Comet 3D/." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-BielaComet3D.html

Learn more about citation styles