Encke's comet

American  

[eng-kuhz, -keez] / ˈɛŋ kəz, -kiz /

noun

1. a comet, discovered by J.L. Pons, with a period of 3.3 years, the shortest period known.

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Etymology

Origin of Encke's comet

Named after Johann F. Encke (1791–1865), German astronomer

Example Sentences

Some, like Encke's comet, which makes a pass around the sun every 3.3 years, have relatively small orbits.

From Time Magazine Archive

Encke's comet, above all, has served as an index to much curious information, and it may be hoped that its function in that respect is by no means at an end.

From A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition by Clerke, Agnes M. (Agnes Mary)

We have hitherto discussed the adventures of Encke's comet in cases where they throw light on questions otherwise more or less known to us.

From The Story of the Heavens by Ball, Robert S. (Robert Stawell), Sir

Of these objects, by far the most celebrated is that known as Encke's comet, which merits our careful attention.

From The Story of the Heavens by Ball, Robert S. (Robert Stawell), Sir

A question of immense importance, since the whole theory of light and colours and the resistance of Encke's comet depends upon that hypothesis.

From Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville by Somerville, Mary