After the next explosion, the 30-kilometer-long ice object nevertheless lost its characteristic demonic feature and acquired a new shade.
After the fourth eruption of cryovolcanic comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, which will come as close as possible to Earth next year, the “horns” appear to have disappeared forever and turned green, Space writes.
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The 30-kilometer-long giant comet, which has experienced 4 powerful explosions since July, is flying towards the Sun and the Earth at a speed of over 64 thousand kilometers per hour. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was nicknamed the Devil’s Comet after astronomers saw it explode this July for the first time in 69 years. As a result, the comet’s coma, that is, the cloud of gas and dust surrounding the icy object, took on an unusual shape. The coma had a dark dividing line, and therefore the “horns” became visible. Astronomers found that this happened because during the comet’s explosion, its icy interiors were heated by solar radiation and then flew past the bulge in the comet’s nucleus and into space.
In November, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, whose orbital period is 71 years while orbiting the Sun, exploded for the fourth time in as many months. This explosion was the strongest and the comet became 100 times brighter. Previous explosions on the comet occurred in July and October this year.
During all explosions that occur on a cryovolcanic comet (so-called comets that eject icy magma into space under the influence of solar heat, and not cold, when approaching the Sun), the now famous “horns” appeared on the icy object. After the next explosion, these “horns” also appeared, but subsequent observations showed that these demonic features disappeared.
According to Nick James of the British Astronomical Society, observations show that the comet’s coma is now completely round. So far, scientists don’t know exactly why the Devil’s Comet lost its “horns.” There is an assumption that all explosions could destroy the comet’s bulge, thanks to which the coma took an unusual shape.
Immediately after the third burst, the “horns” of comet 12P/Pons-Brooks were less prominent, and the same was observed after the fourth burst. Therefore, scientists believe that even during the first two explosions, the destruction of the bulge in the comet’s nucleus began. Scientists now suggest that the “horns” may have disappeared forever and that the comet no longer deserves its evil nickname.
Scientists also discovered that after the last explosion, the comet turned green, or rather, its hair acquired this color. Comets containing large amounts of the chemical substance dicarbon have a similarly unusual and rare color.
Next year, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will make its closest pass to the Sun in late April and to Earth in early June. Scientists believe that this object can be seen even with the naked eye in the night sky.
After visiting the inner solar system, Comet Satan will fly back to its outskirts and remain there for most of the time before returning to the Sun and Earth again in 2094.
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Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.