Subj:	Comet C/LINEAR 2001 A2
Date:	5/15/01 9:06:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From:    tedwards@tcia.net (Tim Edwards) To:    bardsquill@aol.com CC:    tedwards@tcia.net

Hi Kent,

Hope you had a great trip, and glad you're back!

As you know, Comet C/LINEAR 2001 A2 has fragmented and there is good chance it may
even fragment further.

see: http://astronomy.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/000/422nuhir.asp

Additionally, 2001 A2 is scheduled for a 'close-approach' to the Earth from June 30th
to July 2nd at 0.244 AU (roughly 23 million miles).

see here: http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/db?200317

This distance is not very close, although, if the fragments spread apart as they come
around for their perihelion or 'close approach' with the Sun @ 0.779039239 AU on June
24th, I would assume the predicted orbit might be altered a bit.

more: http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/solarsystem/comet_breakup_010503.html

I am researching this in-depth to see if there is really anything to be concerned
with. I have also contacted several 'pros' to get their take.

Any additional info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim

--
*So much to learn and so little time, will we ever find the truth?*

DreamScape
http://timledwards.users.50megs.com/dreamscape.htm