81P/Wild

Discovery

Comet 81P/Wild, also referred to as Wild 2, was initially discovered by Swiss astronomer Paul Wild on January 6, 1978. Its periodic orbit around the Sun spans approximately 6 years, taking it on a trajectory that extends from beyond the orbit of Mars at its farthest point to just inside Jupiter's orbit at its closest approach to the Sun, known as perihelion.

Physical Characteristics

Estimated to have a nucleus diameter of about 5 kilometers (3 miles), Comet Wild 2, like other comets, comprises a mixture of ice, dust, rocky materials, and organic compounds. As it approaches the Sun in its orbit, the heat causes the ice to sublimate, releasing gas and dust that form the comet's distinctive coma and tails, which become visible from Earth during its appearances.

Satellite

The most significant event associated with Comet 81P/Wild was its encounter with NASA's Stardust spacecraft in January 2004. Stardust embarked on a groundbreaking mission specifically designed to rendezvous with the comet, collect samples of cometary dust, and return them to Earth for detailed analysis. During this encounter, Stardust flew through the comet's coma, successfully capturing particles in a specialized collection tray.

Composition

The scientific analysis of the collected particles provided extraordinary insights into the composition and nature of Comet Wild 2. Researchers found a diverse array of materials among the samples, including complex organic compounds and minerals. These findings suggested interactions involving heat and water in the early solar system, shedding light on the conditions and processes that contributed to the formation of celestial bodies.

Observations

Following the Stardust mission, ongoing observations of Comet Wild 2 have continued from Earth during its periodic returns to the inner solar system. These observations aim to monitor the comet's activity, track any variations in its characteristics over time, and deepen our comprehension of cometary behavior and evolution.