![[Comet C/2003 K4 (LINEAR) in 2004 : Size = 12223 bytes]](c2003k4.gif)
Comet C/2003 K4 (LINEAR) was discovered on 28 May 2003 by the Lincoln Laboratory Near-Earth Asteroid Research. An eccentricity of just over 1.0 means that this comet is on a hyperbolic course through the inner solar system. Its inclination is approximately 135° so it cuts through the ecliptic at a steep angle. Perihelion occurs on 13 October.
The chart above shows the track of Comet C/2003 K4 (LINEAR), plotted at five-day intervals, from the beginning of September through to the end of the year. It is estimated that the comet will reach fifth magnitude during this time.
The best views of this comet will be before perihelion in the northern hemisphere and after perihelion in the southern hemisphere.
| Month | Location | Expected Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| September | Virgo | 6 -> 5 |
| October | Virgo -> Corvus | 5 |
| November | Corvus -> Hydra | 5 |
| December | Hydra | 5 |
Copyright © 1995-2004 by David Harper and L.M. Stockman