C/1955 N1 (Bakharev–Macfarlane–Krienke)
A non-periodic comet discovered independently by three astronomers in 1955.
C/1955 N1 (Bakharev–Macfarlane–Krienke) is a non-periodic comet discovered independently by three astronomers in July 1955. It was observed from July to November of that year, with spectroscopic and photoelectric studies conducted during its outbound passage.
Quick Facts
- Discovery Ref
- IAUC_1507 · IAUC_1508
- Discovery Site
- Stalinabad, Tajik SSR / Seattle, USA
- Discovery Date
- 13–14 July 1955
- Designations
- 1955 IV, 1955fICQ1
- Orbit Ref
- jpldata
- Epoch
- 16 August 1955 (JD 2435335.5)
- Observation Arc
- 132 days
- Obs
- 28
- Perihelion
- 1.427 AU
- Aphelion
- ~500 AU
- Semimajor
- ~250 AU
- Period
- ~3,900 years
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The comet was already on its outbound trajectory when Anatoly M. Bakharev first discovered it on the night of 13 July 1955. About 17 hours later, on 14 July 1955, Lewis Macfarlane and Ora "Karl" Krienke, Jr. independently discovered the same object, then an 8th-magnitude object within the constellation Pegasus. Between 17 and 22 July 1955, Kenneth M. Yoss conducted the first spectroscopic observations using the 24–36 inch Schmidt telescope at the University of Michigan, measuring gas emissions in the coma and comparing them with those of 24P/Schaumasse, C/1953 T1 (Abell), and C/1955 L1 (Mrkos). Eric Mervyn Lindsay captured 14 photographic plates of the comet between 15 July and 12 August 1955. Photoelectric observations at Mount Wilson Observatory between 28 July and 2 August 1955 obtained its color indices. The comet was last seen on 25 November 1955 by Elizabeth Roemer as a 17th-magnitude object within the constellation Cepheus. Roemer and Hamilton Jeffers later attempted to find the comet between February and March 1956 but failed to locate it.
Reader's Guide
C/1955 N1 (Bakharev–Macfarlane–Krienke) is notable for its independent discovery by three astronomers within a span of about 17 hours, and for the early spectroscopic and photoelectric observations that were made during its brief visibility. The spectroscopic work by Kenneth M. Yoss, comparing the comet's gas emissions with those of other comets, contributed to the understanding of cometary composition in the mid-20th century. The photoelectric observations at Mount Wilson provided color indices, adding to the physical characterization of the comet. The comet's observation period was relatively short, from July to November 1955, and it was last detected at 17th magnitude. The unsuccessful search for the comet in early 1956 by Elizabeth Roemer and Hamilton Jeffers marked the end of its observational record. The comet remains a documented example of a non-periodic comet studied during a time when spectroscopic and photoelectric techniques were becoming more common in cometary astronomy.
Did You Know?
- The comet was discovered independently by three astronomers within about 17 hours.
- Kenneth M. Yoss made the first spectroscopic observations of the comet using the 24–36 inch Schmidt telescope at the University of Michigan.
- Elizabeth Roemer last observed the comet on 25 November 1955 as a 17th-magnitude object in Cepheus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C/1955 N1 (Bakharev–Macfarlane–Krienke)?
It is a non-periodic comet first spotted in mid-July 1955 by three astronomers working independently of one another. The object was tracked from its discovery through November of that year before fading beyond detection.
Who discovered C/1955 N1 and when?
Anatoly M. Bakharev, Lewis Macfarlane, and Ora "Karl" Krienke Jr. each identified the comet on 13–14 July 1955 without initially knowing the others had seen it. This rare triple independent discovery is what gives the comet its three-part name.
What type of comet is C/1955 N1?
It is classified as a non-periodic (long-period) comet, so it does not swing back on a short, predictable cycle the way Halley's does. Its highly elongated orbit means it is extremely unlikely to reappear in any practical observing window.
How long was C/1955 N1 visible and who made the last observation?
The comet was followed from July until 25 November 1955, when Elizabeth Roemer recorded the final sighting. During its outbound leg, researchers carried out spectroscopic and photoelectric measurements to study its composition and brightness.
Why is C/1955 N1 notable among named comets?
Its main distinction is the independent triple discovery by three separate observers within a day or two of each other, a coincidence that is uncommon in comet history. It also benefited from dedicated spectroscopic and photoelectric studies during its fade, adding a useful data point to mid-century comet records.
More in Named Comets, Part 4 1-24
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