The Comet's Tale
Astronomer's Review  IV
Name:_____________________________

Comet Orbits


1.  In the word perihelion, "peri" means close. What do you think the "ap" in aphelion means? 

 

 

2.  What is the period of a comet? 

 

 

3.  Do you know another name for the earth's orbital period?  (Hint:  think of the calendar.) 

 

 

4.  What is a long period comet? 

 

 

5.  How long can the period be for a long period comet?

 

 

6.  How are short period comets different from long period comets?