Why Was SL9 So Interesting?
It could tell us something about Jupiter.
It could tell us something about impacts.
It could tell us something about comets.
It could answer questions we haven't even thought of!
SL9 Was Unusual Because:
Comet was orbiting Jupiter, where comets usually orbit the Sun.
Comet SL9 was the first comet to be actually observed orbiting Jupiter.
Comet SL9 came closer to Jupiter than any other comet.
No comet observed had broken into as many pieces as SL9.
Fortunate Because:
Gave astronomers all over the world a chance to prepare!
First the comet went by Jupiter and broke into pieces. Then one year later, the pieces crashed into Jupiter.[Home Page] [Science Links] [Contents] [Previous] [Next]
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Last Modified by Amara Graps on 26 November 2003.
© Copyright Amara Graps, 1995-2003.