Comet Encke (2P/Encke)

A periodic comet, first seen from Paris by P. Méchain (1744-1804) in 1786. It was rediscovered by Caroline Herschel in 1795, by Pons and others in 1805 and by Pons again in 1818. J. F. Encke (1791-1865) computed the orbit of the comet seen in 1818 and linked it with the previous apparitions. He predicted a reappearance in 1822, when it was successfully recovered as a result. Its elliptical orbit has the very short period of 3.3 years. On subsequent revolutions the comet reached perihelion earlier than predicted by about two hours; the effect has, however, been reducing steadily ever since. These observations can be explained in terms of a "rocket effect", cceleration caused by the evaporation of gases under the influence of solar radiation, in conjunction with effects of the spin and precession of the comet's nucleus. The Taurid meteor shower is associated with Comet 2PEncke.