This video shows the orbit of comet C/2023 H2 (Lemmon) and its approach to Earth in November 2023. The orbit of this comet passes relatively close to the orbit of Saturn. Therefore, sometimes there may be an approach of this comet with Saturn, which can significantly change its orbit. Under the strong influence of the gravity of Jupiter and Saturn, long-period comets can become short-period ones and vice versa. This time comet C/2023 H2 (Lemmon) has passed far from Saturn, and the next approach may take place no earlier than in 4 thousand years. That’s how much (approximately) it takes this comet to make a complete revolution around the Sun.
Comet C/2023 H2 (Lemmon) is unusual in that on the night of November 10-11 it will pass only 29 million km from Earth. This approach was described in detail in the previous video. The comet is small and not very active, so its approach can only be observed using powerful binoculars or a telescope.
If the comet had been flying about two weeks earlier, it would have gotten even closer to Earth. The distance between the Earth and the comet would be only about 4-5 million km. And our planet would pass through the comet tail. But even in this case, it would not carry any risks for the Earth.
Modeling and rendering were performed by author of AstroTubo channel using own software. Visualization of comet and its tail is also invented and implemented by the author of AstroTubo channel. The calculations took into account the mutual influence of the Sun, all the planets of the Solar System, the Moon and the comet on each other. Relativistic effects were also taken into account in the calculation. Non-gravitational effects associated with the comet nucleus matter evaporation were not taken into account.
The track Quickening by malictusmusic sounds in this video. This track was not changed. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0 DEED) license.
