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Comets
Comets are small solar system bodies that orbit around the Sun. They have a tail (trail of light) when traveling in space.
1,186 Questions
What is the Scientific explanation in Philippines about comets?
There is no such thing. If people in the Philippines practice any REAL science, the explanation will basically the same as the explanation given by real scientists in other parts of the world.
Do comets affect human behavior?
There is no logical or scientific reason why a chunk of ice a billion kilometers away will change human behavior more than antarctica does.
What are the superstitions related to comet and asteroid?
Comets and asteroids are superstitiously seen as bad sign in most cultures all around the world due to the fact that they have been linked to natural disasters in history. Halley's Comet, for instance, is seen as a bad omen.
What does Halley's comet orbit besides the sun?
Halley's comet orbits the Sun. It follows a highly elliptical path that takes it from the outer solar system, where it interacts with the gravitational forces of the giant planets, back towards the inner solar system, passing close to the Sun.
Yes, comets do rotate. As they travel through space, comets typically rotate on their axis. However, the rotation rates of comets can vary, ranging from a few hours to several days. The rotation can affect various aspects of a comet, such as the distribution of gases and dust around it.
Where is comet shoemaker - levy 9 now?
Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with Jupiter in July 1994 and was completely disintegrated during the impact. There are no remnants of the comet remaining, as it broke apart and its fragments were absorbed by Jupiter's atmosphere.
Why is a comet orbit considered a cycle?
A comets orbit is considered a cycle because a comet circles back in an elliptical orbit.
Do meteoroids form when comets break apart creating dust clouds?
Sort of. Comets don't have to break up to spawn meteoroids since the solar wind knocks little bits off of them, which become the "tails."
"Dust cloud" actually means something different to astronomers, namely the bits of stuff out of which stars (and planets) form. Say rather "cometary dust trails."
How do you know how far things in the universe?
Things go pretty far in the universe. There's more then one galaxy. There's trillions for all we know, but all I can say is check the NASA website. They should have some info on there.
This question is about measuring distances in astronomy.
It has been a big challenge for generations of astronomers.
There are several methods. Each method works best for particular distances.
So, there's a series of overlapping distance scales:
"Radar" can sometimes be used for objects within our solar system.
"Parallax" can be used within the solar system and for fairly close stars.
"Cepheid variables" are useful for greater distances.
There are several other methods too.
Often the idea is to use objects with known "absolute luminosity" as "standard candles".
The brighter such an objectappears to be, the closer it must be.
There are particular methods used for very large distances. For example, a particular type of "supernova" is useful.
Finally there's the famous "redshift", which is greater at greater distance.
See "Sources and related links" (below) for more details.
What country is Comet Auctions based out of?
Comet Auctions is an online bidding site based in the United Kingdom. For more information about this site you can go online to their website clearance comet.
Can an asteroid comet or meteor hit Pluto?
Yes, any large object in the solar system can be hit by asteroids or comets. Pluto is located in the Kuiper Belt, a vast field of comets, so collisions with comets are probably not uncommon for the dwarf planet.
Why are asteroids more likely than comets to survive entry through Earth's atmosphere?
Comets are largely made of ice and the ice and rocky materials they are made of are more loosely packed than an asteroid which is typically more solid chunks of rock and metal.
How does the sun create a tail on a comet?
The sun creates a tail on a comet because of solar radiation and solar wind on the nucleus of the comet. A comet is an icy body that is seen when it passes close to the sun.
Can Halley's comet help scientists predict the future?
Apart from things directly related to the comet, no. Since the comet has a regular orbit, it is possible to predict when it will be visible. Halley's Comet is also the cause of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, so the passage of the comet may result in an increase in the shower's intensity.
In most cases, trying to predict the future based on the positions of celestial objects falls under the field of astrology, which is a pseudoscience.
