Comet formation
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Comet formation
Comet formation. Computer artwork of stars passing the Oort cloud causing a comet to head into the inner solar system (bright, bottom right). The Oort cloud is a halo of small bodies of rock and ice which extends out to about 1.5 light years from the Sun. If the passage of the solar system through space brings it near any other stars (centre left), their gravitational fields may cause one of these bodies (grey) to be hurled from its orbit (dashed line). This trajectory (arrow) may bring it near the Sun, causing its ice to evaporate and form the coma and tails characteristic of comets
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6445197
© CLAUS LUNAU/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Comet Cometary Comets Cosmology Oort Cloud Solar System Star
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing phenomenon of comet formation. Created through computer artwork, it depicts a stunning celestial event where stars pass through the Oort cloud, resulting in a comet hurtling towards the inner solar system. The Oort cloud, an ethereal halo composed of rock and ice bodies, extends approximately 1.5 light years away from our Sun. In this image, we witness the gravitational influence of nearby stars (located towards the center left) as they disrupt one of these small bodies within the Oort cloud (depicted in grey). As a result, its orbit is dramatically altered along a dashed trajectory line. This newfound path may eventually bring it closer to our Sun. As this wandering body nears our star's scorching heat and intense radiation, its icy composition begins to evaporate rapidly. This process gives birth to the iconic coma and tails that define comets - beautifully illustrated by the bright object positioned at the bottom right corner of this artwork. Through this breathtaking portrayal, we are reminded of both the delicate dance between celestial objects and their profound impact on shaping our understanding of cosmology. Science Photo Library has masterfully captured this awe-inspiring moment in astronomy history with their artistic rendition – offering us a glimpse into nature's spectacular cosmic symphony.
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