A massive comet is currently plummeting towards our Sun. The comet was originally discovered by a pair of Russian astronomers who spotted it using the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON). This particular comet has a chance of being one of the most visible comets ever to pass through our solar system.
The Discovery and Significance of Comet ISON
ISON, officially designated as C/2012 S1, was discovered in September 2012 by Vitali Nevski and Artyom Novichonok. The comet’s discovery was significant because it was initially observed when it was still beyond the orbit of Jupiter, giving astronomers ample time to study its trajectory and potential impact on our solar system. The excitement surrounding ISON stems from its potential to become extraordinarily bright, possibly even outshining the moon in the night sky.
ISON could be as bright in the night sky as the moon soon after it reaches its closest point to the sun by the end of this year. However, comets are notoriously difficult to predict, and ISON could turn out to not be visible in the night sky at all. The orbit of the comet will take it very close to the sun, and the closer to the sun it goes, without being destroyed, the brighter it will be in the night sky.
The Journey and Composition of Comet ISON
Currently, the tail of the comet is hundreds of thousands of miles long. The tail is mostly composed of small particles of dust and water vapor that light reflects off of. This tail, also known as a coma, forms as the comet approaches the sun and the heat causes the ice and dust to vaporize. The tail always points away from the sun due to the solar wind.
Astronomers used the Hubble Space Telescope to shoot a short video of the comet as it passed between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, approximately 403,000,000 miles from Earth, which can be seen here. This video provided valuable data on the comet’s size, speed, and trajectory, allowing scientists to make more accurate predictions about its future behavior.
As ISON continues its journey towards the sun, it will pass within 724,000 miles of the solar surface. This close approach, known as perihelion, is scheduled to occur on November 28, 2013. If ISON survives this close encounter without disintegrating, it could become one of the brightest comets in recent history, visible even during daylight hours.
The study of comets like ISON is crucial for understanding the early solar system. Comets are often described as “dirty snowballs” because they are composed of ice, dust, and organic compounds. These materials are remnants from the formation of the solar system over 4.6 billion years ago. By studying comets, scientists can gain insights into the conditions and processes that prevailed during the early stages of planetary formation.
In addition to its scientific importance, ISON has captured the public’s imagination. Amateur astronomers and skywatchers around the world are eagerly anticipating its appearance. Many are preparing their telescopes and cameras to capture what could be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
In conclusion, Comet ISON’s journey towards the sun is a significant event for both astronomers and the general public. Its potential to become one of the brightest comets ever observed makes it a subject of great interest and excitement. Whether it will live up to the high expectations remains to be seen, but its passage through our solar system offers a unique opportunity to study and appreciate the wonders of the cosmos.
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