38P/Stephan–Oterma

38P/Stephan–Oterma (also known as Comet Stephan–Oterma) is a periodic comet with an orbital period of 38 years. It fits the classical definition of a Halley-type comet with (20 years < period < 200 years). It was discovered on 22.9 January 1867, by Jérôme Eugène Coggia at Marseilles Observatory, France. On 25.86 January Édouard Stephan confirmed it was a comet. It was recovered in 6 November 1942 by the Finnish astronomer Liisi Oterma.

38P/Stephan–Oterma
Discovery
Discovered byCoggia, Jerome E.
Discovery dateJanuary 22, 1867
Designations
Alternative designations
P/1980 L2, P/1942 V1, P/1867 B1, 38P
Orbital characteristics
Epoch1981-Apr-26
(JD 2444720.5)
Aphelion20.920 AU
(near Uranus orbit)
Perihelion1.5744 AU
(near Mars orbit)
Semi-major axis11.247 AU
Eccentricity0.86002
Orbital period37.72 yr
Inclination17.981°
Last perihelionNovember 10, 2018
December 5, 1980
Next perihelion2056-Aug-28

38P/Stephan–Oterma last came to perihelion on November 10, 2018. It was recovered by Pan-STARRS on June 24, 2017 while 5.3 AU from the Sun. The next perihelion passage is August 28, 2056.

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