Whenever the subject of mosquito control comes up, someone gives a fervent argument for installing purple martin houses and bat houses. Stores that cater to bird enthusiasts often tout the purple martin houses as the best solution for keeping your yard mosquito free.
A short period comet is conventionally defined as a comet having an orbital period of less than 200 years. What is the maximum possible aphelion distance for a short period comet with a perihelion of 0.5 AU? Where does this place the comet relative to the outer planets? (3)
When viewed through a small telescope, the comet's motion should be obvious within 15 minutes. A last-quarter moon in nearby Virgo may spoil the view just a bit, but the strongly-condensed coma and a hint of a chubby dust tail should still be visible in a 6-inch scope.