Learn about comets from "summary" of Space Encyclopedia by David A. Aguilar,Christine Pulliam,Patricia Daniels
Comets are fascinating celestial objects that have captivated the curiosity of humans for centuries. These icy bodies, often referred to as "dirty snowballs," originate from the outer regions of the solar system. As comets approach the Sun, they heat up and release gases, creating a glowing halo called a coma. The solar wind then blows this material away from the comet, forming a tail that can stretch millions of kilometers through space. Studying comets provides valuable insights into the early solar system and the formation of planets. By analyzing the composition of comets, scientists can learn about the materials present in the early solar nebula. This information helps researchers understand the conditions that existed when our solar system was forming over four billion years ago. Comets follow elongated orbits around the Sun, with some taking thousands of years to complete a single orbit. The most famous of these long-period comets is Halley's Comet, which returns to the inner solar system approximately every 76 years. Short-period comets, on the other hand, have orbits that typically last less than 200 years. In addition to their scientific significance, comets have also played a cultural role throughout history. Ancient civilizations often interpreted comets as omens or portents of significant events. Today, comets continue to capture the imagination of people around the world as they streak across the night sky, leaving a trail of light in their wake.- Learning about comets offers a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our solar system. By studying these icy wanderers, scientists can uncover new discoveries about the origins of our cosmic neighborhood and the processes that have shaped it over billions of years.
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