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Comets streak across the heavens from "summary" of The Secret World of Stargazing by Adrian West
Comets are mysterious and captivating celestial objects that have fascinated humans for centuries. These icy bodies travel through space at incredible speeds, leaving a trail of dust and gas in their wake. As they approach the Sun, comets heat up and release bright, glowing tails that can be seen from Earth. This spectacular display is what gives comets their distinctive appearance as they streak across the heavens. Comets are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" because they are made up of ice, rock, and dust. When a comet comes close to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, releasing gas and dust particles into space. The solar wind then blows these particles away from the comet, creating a long, glowing tail that points away from the Sun. The tails of comets can be hundreds of thousands of kilometers long and are visible from Earth with the naked eye. These tails can vary in color and brightness, depending on the composition of the comet and its distance from the Sun. Some comets have two tails – a dust tail and a gas tail – which can be seen trailing behind them as they streak across the night sky. Comets have captured the imagination of stargazers, scientists, and storytellers alike. Throughout history, comets have been seen as omens of doom, messengers from the gods, and harbingers of change. Their unpredictable nature and striking appearance make them a fascinating subject of study for astronomers around the world. Despite their beauty and intrigue, comets are still shrouded in mystery. Scientists are constantly studying these icy visitors from the outer reaches of the solar system in an effort to unlock the secrets of our cosmic past. By observing and tracking comets as they streak across the heavens, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the formation and evolution of our solar system.
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