Orbits of Comets C/1851P1 (Brorsen) and C/1851 U1 (Brorsen)

Abstract

Comets C/1854 P1 (Brorsen) and C/1851 U1 (Brorsen) are one of a large number of comets with parabolic orbits. Given that there are sufficient observations of the comet, 183 in right ascension and 183 in declination for the former and 47 in both coordinates for the latter, it proves possible to calculate better orbits. The C/1851 P1’s orbit is a highly eccentric ellipse, although statistically distinguishable from a parabola. The comet will not return for another 18,000 years and will pass at a minimum distance of 0.986 AU from the Earth. This object, therefore, cannot be considered an NEO. C/1851 U1’s orbit is a hyperbola, but with no indication of a possible extrasolar origin.