2020/07/01 by Quanzhi Ye, T. L. Farnham, Matthew M. Knight +2 · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae #Comet #Physics #Astronomy
paper · doi:10.3847/2515-5172/aba2d1
openalex publication_date 2020/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Abstract We report the recovery of returning Halley-type comet 12P/Pons-Brooks using the 4.3 m Lowell Discovery Telescope, at a heliocentric distance of 11.89 au. Comparative analysis with a dust model suggests that the comet may have been active since ∼30 au from the Sun. We derive a nuclear radius of 17 ± 6 km from the nucleus photometry, though this number is likely an overestimate due to the contamination from dust and gas. Continuing monitoring is encouraged in anticipation of the comet’s forthcoming perihelion in 2024 April.