255P/Levy

255P/Levy is a periodic comet discovered by David H. Levy on October 6, 2006. It was found during a systematic search for comets using the 0.4-meter Schmidt telescope at the Mount Laguna Observatory in California.

The comet is classified as a Jupiter-family comet, meaning its orbit is primarily influenced by the gravitational pull of Jupiter. These comets typically have orbital periods of less than 20 years. 255P/Levy has an estimated orbital period of around 5.25 years.

During its perihelion (closest approach to the Sun), 255P/Levy brightens significantly, making it observable with moderate-sized telescopes. However, at other times in its orbit, it remains quite faint.

Observations of 255P/Levy have allowed astronomers to study its orbital characteristics and physical properties, contributing to our understanding of the dynamics and composition of comets in the inner solar system. Like other comets, 255P/Levy is believed to be a remnant from the early formation of the solar system.