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Comet Shoemaker Levy 9 was probably the most exciting comet ever.
In July 1994, it collided with the planet Jupiter. Astronomers
were able to watch this event live for the first time ever. It was
discovered by Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker and David Levy in 1993.
On an approach that took it close to Jupiter, Comet Shoemaker Levy-9
broke apart into about 20 major pieces. These fragments were
approximately 1-2km on the average (although some estimates places some
of them as large as 4km). Obviously, due to the impact, this is
one comet that no longer orbits the Sun.
It was incredible to see the effect the impacts had on the
surface of Jupiter. Some of the fragments were enveloped
in Jupiter's atmosphere without leaving a trace. Others
burned up before entering Jupiter's cloud tops. Others
left dark black spots that were readily observable in Hubble
images. This was the first time picture of an impending
and occurring collision were taken.
Image of Comet Shoemaker Levy-9 Fragments
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Photograph of Impact Site on Jupiter |
