Comet 46P/Wirtanen Quiz

What is the orbital period of Comet 46P/Wirtanen?

• 20 years

• 10 years

• 5 and 1/2 years

• 3 years

How close will Comet Wirtanen be to Earth during its 2018 approach?

• 40 lunar distances

• 10 lunar distances

• 20 lunar distances

• 30 lunar distances

Why is the 2018 appearance of Comet Wirtanen significant?

• It will pass closer to the Sun than ever before.

• It will be the first time it is visible from Earth.

• It will be the brightest appearance in recent history.

• It will be the last time it is visible from Earth.

Who is leading the campaign to study Comet Wirtanen?

• NASA Headquarters

• Dr. Kelly Fast

• Dr. Tony Farnham

• Carl Wirtanen

What makes the study of Comet Wirtanen in 2018 a unique opportunity?

• It is the only comet visible from both hemispheres.

• It allows for extensive observation over a long period.

• It is the closest comet approach in history.

• It is the first comet to be studied by NASA.