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Comet and Sun
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Comet and Sun
Comet. Computer artwork of a comet near the Sun. Comets form when bodies of ice and dust, left over from the formation of the solar system, have their orbits altered to pass near the Sun. Many such icy bodies orbit far beyond the planets. When one of these approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice to boil, forming a huge cloud (coma) around the icy body (now a cometary nucleus). The solar wind blows the coma into a tail, pointing away from the Sun, which may be millions of kilometres long. The nucleus may be many kilometres across, but is much smaller than the bright tail and coma. Comets can take many millions of years to orbit the Sun, but others may reappear after less than 100 years
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Media ID 6446223
© ROGER HARRIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Coma Comet Cometary Comets Cosmology Ices Solar System Star Tail Universe Computer Artwork
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Comet and Sun" showcases a mesmerizing computer artwork of a comet gracefully gliding near the radiant Sun. Comets, celestial marvels formed from icy bodies and dust remnants left over from the birth of our solar system, embark on extraordinary journeys as their orbits are altered to bring them closer to our blazing star. Many of these icy bodies reside far beyond the reaches of planets, patiently awaiting their encounter with the Sun. As a comet approaches its fiery rendezvous, the intense heat causes its ice to evaporate into an immense cloud known as a coma, enveloping the cometary nucleus. The powerful solar wind then sweeps this coma away, creating an awe-inspiring tail that stretches for millions of kilometers in space. While the nucleus itself may span several kilometers across, it pales in comparison to the brilliance and grandeur of its elongated tail and surrounding coma. These magnificent cosmic phenomena can take countless millions of years to complete their elliptical orbits around our life-giving star; however, some comets reappear within just a century's time. Through this breathtaking illustration by Science Photo Library, we are reminded once again of the vastness and beauty that exists within our universe—where icy wonders dance alongside scorching stars amidst an infinite expanse.
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