Encke's comet

[ eng-kuhz, -keez ]

noun

1. a comet, discovered by J.L. Pons, with a period of 3.3 years, the shortest period known.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Encke's comet¹

Named after Johann F. Encke (1791–1865), German astronomer

Example Sentences

Regarding the Taurids, they are attributed to debris left behind by Encke's Comet; that debris boasts noticeably larger fragments than those shed by other comets, which is why this meteor stream occasionally delivers a few unusually bright meteors known as "fireballs."

From Scientific American

Struve saw a star of the 10th magnitude through nearly the brightest part of Encke’s comet on November 7, 1828, but the star’s light was not dimmed by the comet.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the smallest comets and the briefest in its period round the sun is known as Encke's comet.

From Project Gutenberg

Mercury's mass is found by its disturbing effects on Encke's comet whenever it approaches very near.

From Project Gutenberg

Encke's comet revolves round the sun in 1,211 days.

From Project Gutenberg