Question

The spectacular comet Hale-Bopp was last visible with the naked eye in 1997 as it passed the Sun at it closest distance of 0.91 astronomical units (A.U.) Its previous close approach to the Sun (called perihelion) occurred near the beginning of Ancient Greece, around 500 B.C.

a) What is the semi-major axis of its orbit in A.U.?

b) What is its aphelion distance (its farthest distance from the Sun) in A.U.?

c) As it passed the Sun, its velocity with respect to the Sun was 44 km/s. What was its velocity at aphelion? Hint: Think of the area of the triangle "swept up" over 1 second

d) Qualitatively, how would you describe the shape of its orbit?

Answer 1

​​​​​​NOTE:-1 AU=1.49*10^8 KM