C/2004 F4 (Bradfield)

C/2004 F4 (Bradfield) is a non-periodic comet discovered by William A. Bradfield on March 23, 2004, in South Australia. The "C/" designation indicates that it is a non-periodic comet, meaning its orbital period is very long (potentially thousands of years) or it might even be on an escape trajectory from the Solar System. The "2004" indicates the year of discovery, "F4" signifies that it was the fourth comet discovered in the "F" part of that year (the "F" designates the period from March 16 to March 31), and "(Bradfield)" indicates the discoverer.

Comet C/2004 F4 (Bradfield) reached perihelion (its closest approach to the Sun) on April 17, 2004, at a distance of approximately 0.26 astronomical units (AU). This close approach to the Sun resulted in a significant increase in its brightness, making it briefly visible to the naked eye in the Southern Hemisphere in late April and early May 2004.

Observations of the comet provided astronomers with valuable data about cometary composition and behavior, particularly during its perihelion passage. The comet's observed brightness and orbital parameters allowed for estimations of its size and the composition of its nucleus. The study of comets like C/2004 F4 (Bradfield) helps scientists understand the early Solar System and the nature of these icy bodies.