Comet: People have always been fascinated by the mysteries of space and the various celestial events that take place in the universe.
Every day, there’s something new happening beyond our planet.
A recent discovery has captured significant attention and raised eyebrows among space enthusiasts and scientists alike.
The Imposing Comet
Reports from Live Science have highlighted a falling star that’s three times the size of Mount Everest!
This comet, named 12P/Pons-Brooks, has exploded for the second time in four months and is now on its path towards Earth.
This isn’t the first time this comet has shown such activity, with the previous explosion reported in July.
Unique Characteristics of 12P/Pons-Brooks
- Type: This is a cryovolcanic or cold volcanic comet.
- Size: The diameter of the falling star is approximately 18.6 miles (30 kilometers).
- Recent Activity: The explosion on October 5th marked the comet’s second rupture in the last four months.
Monitoring the Comet
The British Astronomical Association (BAA) is closely observing the falling star activities. Their attention was drawn to it when they noticed a significant amount of dust and gas around the nucleus of 12P, accompanied by an unusually high luminosity.
As days progressed, the comet’s coma expanded further, and peculiar tail-like projections developed.
Fun Fact
Some experts humorously pointed out that the erratic shape of the comet’s coma resembles a starship from a fictional tale. It’s reminiscent of the Millennium Falcon from ‘Star Wars’.
The reason behind these tail-like protrusions remains unclear, though some believe it could be due to the irregular shape of 12P’s nucleus.
The Significance of the Explosions
This explosion is the second significant activity from 12P since July 20th. During this explosion, the tail-like ejection from the falling star was about 7,000 times larger than the comet itself!
However, it’s still uncertain how much the coma expanded during this recent explosion, but there are indications that it was more intense than the previous one. Currently, the coma is believed to have shrunk back to its typical size.
Conclusion
While space is full of wonders and mysteries, the activities of 12P/Pons-Brooks stand out due to its immense size and the frequency of its explosions. Scientists and astronomers will continue monitoring its progress and activities.
As for the threat it poses to Earth, more studies and observations are needed. Nevertheless, the celestial event adds to the ever-growing list of fascinating space phenomena that captivate and intrigue us all.
Also Read – NASA CPEX-CV Mission Finding Clues How Hurricane Forms in the African North-West Coast