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There is no one answer for this question. It would depend on its original mass and composition, and how close its orbit brings it to the Sun, or to Jupiter, and how long the orbit is.
The greater the initial mass, the more passes by the Sun the comet can survive. Each pass close to the Sun boils off a significant amount of ice and dust; eventually, there would be nothing left.
Many comets collide with other bodies such as planets. In 1994, the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 broke apart and crashed into Jupiter. We know that at least five times in Earth's past, massive impacts have caused global devastation; one such impact 65 million years ago killed off the dinosaurs. We don't know if that was an asteroid or a comet.
The farther out its orbit goes, the longer the comet can survive. It freezes more solidly, gets a chance to accrete some additional mass.
Scientists believe that Halley's Comet, for example, may last for 10 million years.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoas far as i am aware, typically it can be between 20,000 years and 200,000 years.
for a great book about the comet that is returning to earth very soon, read millennium mysterium.
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If water instantly vaporizes in space why do comets last for so long?
they're ice
What is the possessive noun for comets?
The singular form is comet, the plural form is comets, the possessive plural is comets'. Example: The comets' paths will not cross.
Do comets orbit Jupiter?
Comets orbit the Sun.
Which of the following objects is usually the smallest planets comets moons are asteroids?
Comets
What astronomer discovered eight comets?
Many astronomers have discovered that many comets. For example, David Levy is the discoverer or co-discoverer of 22 comets.
If water instantly vaporizes in space why do comets last for so long?
they're ice
Where do long period comets cycling over 200 years come from?
Long period comets originate in the Oort Cloud.
When have comets been spotted over the last 100 years?
Typically, several comets are spotted every year.
What are celestial comets?
Celestial comets is a more formal name for comets. Comets are objects in space orbiting the Sun with long orbits. They are thought to be made of frozen water. As they near the Sun they produce a long glowing tail trailing behind.
Do comets have a long lifespan?
False
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LONG AND SHORT PERIODIC COMETS?
Short period comets have a period of less than 200 years Long period comets have a period of more than 200 years.
Comets that appear within every 200 years are called comets?
long period comet
When was briela's comets last appearance?
Do you mean Biela's comet? Last seen in 1852.
What do you call the region of the solar system which is home to long period comets?
Long period comets are thought to reside mainly in the Oort Cloud.
HOW LONG DOES A COMETS TAKES?
4 mins.
How are comets different?
-- Despite where they come from, some comets have different mass qualities. While some are long-term comets, some are short-term. Short-term period comets originate in the Kuiper belt or it's "shattered disc", which is around the orbit of Neptune. Long-term period comets originate in Oort cloud, which is a cloud of icy bodies in space.
What is the greek meaning stars with long hair?
Comets.
