Calculations of the comet's orbit by Brian Marsden of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics show that it was last seen in 1661. This makes Ikeya-Zhang the first long-period comet (a comet with a period longer than 200 years) to be identified on its return to the inner solar system.

No telescope is necessary to look at this beautiful visitor as it swings around the Sun and heads back to deep space. The comet has brightened to naked-eye visibility, but is easiest to see through binoculars.

Related Links MicroObservatory More info at Sky & Telescope SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express SKY NIGHTLY Comet "Ikeya-Zhang" Returns 341 Years Later  Washington - Mar 6, 2002 A comet discovered last month by amateur astronomers is making its first pass through the inner solar system in nearly 3-1/2 centuries. Named Ikeya-Zhang [pronounced "ee-KAY-uh JONG"] for the two keen-eyed skygazers who first spotted it, this cosmic interloper can be seen low in the west, not far above the horizon, as soon as it gets dark.