Jupiter helps Halley's Comet give us more spectacular meteor displays
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 09:31
in Astronomy & Space
(PhysOrg.com) -- The dramatic appearance of Halley's comet in the night sky has been observed and recorded by astronomers since 240 BC. Now a study shows that the orbital influences of Jupiter on the comet and the debris it leaves in its wake are responsible for periodic outbursts of activity in the Orionid meteor showers. The results will be presented by Aswin Sekhar at the National Astronomy Meeting in Manchester on Tuesday 27th March.