The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, launched in 1995, is designed to study the Sun, its atmosphere, and the solar wind. It has provided knowledge into the structure of the Sun, including its magnetic field, solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar variability.

Now, the SOHO&nbsp;mission has achieved a milestone in its journey by capturing its 5,000th comet as it traverses around the solar star in our cosmic neighbourhood.

The mission has 12 instruments, including telescopes and spectrometers, which observe the Sun in various wavelengths of light, from ultraviolet to visible X-rays.

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These observations help scientists better understand solar phenomena and their impact on space weather, which can affect satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth.

The latest comet, named SOHO-5000, belongs to the Marsden group. It is a part of the larger comet 96P/Machholz.

<h2>Sungrazer Project</h2>

The comet was spotted on March 25, 2024, by Hanjie Tan, an astronomy enthusiast. Tan is a&nbsp;part of the&nbsp; Sungrazer Project team, where both amateur and professional astronomers search for, observe, and study comets that graze the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. These comets are also often referred to as sungrazing comets.

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He discovered his first comet at the age of 13. Presently, he is pursuing a PhD in astronomy.

WATCH | Study: Climate change-led temperature rise to boost inflation

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As SOHO remains operational for many years, far exceeding its planned mission duration, and continues to provide valuable data for solar physics research, Karl Battams of NASA stated, "Soho is already the most prolific comet-hunting spacecraft in history, and it’s not slowing down. That’s thanks to the hard work of Sungrazer Project comet hunters around the world."

Throughout its mission, SOHO has provided information about its core and outer atmosphere. Notable achievements include the first-ever images of the Sun's convection zone and sub-surface sunspots, as well as detailed measurements of rotation and temperature.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, launched in 1995, is designed to study the Sun, its atmosphere, and the solar wind.

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, launched in 1995, is designed to study the Sun, its atmosphere, and the solar wind. It has provided knowledge into the structure of the Sun, including its magnetic field, solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar variability. Now, the SOHO mission has achieved a milestone in its journey by capturing its 5,000th comet as it traverses around the solar star in our cosmic neighbourhood. The mission has 12 instruments, including telescopes and spectrometers, which observe the Sun in various wavelengths of light, from ultraviolet to visible X-rays. Also Read | Total solar eclipse: Birds, bees, and plants might act strange during the eerie darkness on April 8 These observations help scientists better understand solar phenomena and their impact on space weather, which can affect satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth. The latest comet, named SOHO-5000, belongs to the Marsden group. It is a part of the larger comet 96P/Machholz. Sungrazer Project The comet was spotted on March 25, 2024, by Hanjie Tan, an astronomy enthusiast. Tan is a part of the Sungrazer Project team, where both amateur and professional astronomers search for, observe, and study comets that graze the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. These comets are also often referred to as sungrazing comets. Also Read | Massive asteroid led to two billion craters on surface of Mars, claim scientists He discovered his first comet at the age of 13. Presently, he is pursuing a PhD in astronomy. WATCH | Study: Climate change-led temperature rise to boost inflation × As SOHO remains operational for many years, far exceeding its planned mission duration, and continues to provide valuable data for solar physics research, Karl Battams of NASA stated, "Soho is already the most prolific comet-hunting spacecraft in history, and it’s not slowing down. That’s thanks to the hard work of Sungrazer Project comet hunters around the world." Throughout its mission, SOHO has provided information about its core and outer atmosphere. Notable achievements include the first-ever images of the Sun's convection zone and sub-surface sunspots, as well as detailed measurements of rotation and temperature. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's SOHO mission celebrates milestone as it captures 5,000th comet on its journey around the Sun

Stargazers assemble, as we are about to witness a rare comet with a missing tail in a few days from now. The C/2021 S3 Pannstars comet is all set to pass by Earth in the coming days, as per the UK-based University of Reading.&nbsp;

The researchers at the university have asked sky enthusiasts to photograph this rare sight, as it will help them in their study to determine solar wind conditions. This&nbsp;comet with no tail&nbsp;can give new insights into the strength and direction of solar wind.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/martians-wanted-nasa-is-looking-for-volunteers-to-live-in-a-mars-simulator-for-a-year-692066">‘Martians wanted’: NASA is looking for volunteers to live in a Mars simulator for a year</a>

Solar winds are the charged particles that exude from the Sun&nbsp;and have the ability to damage satellites&nbsp;in space and technology on Earth. And comets are like cosmic “windsocks”, telling about the direction and intensity of solar winds, as per the University of Reading.&nbsp;

<h2>Why this rare comet with missing tail&nbsp;should be photographed</h2>

PhD researcher Sarah Watson, who is leading the project, said that more information about solar wind can help scientists forecast it and limit the resulting harm. The rare comet with a detached tail gives an opportunity to the scientific community to learn about solar winds in detail.&nbsp;

Watson added, "We need lots of timed photos of the comet to build up a picture of its journey through our solar system."

"This is a fantastic opportunity for amateur astronomers to get out their telescopes, capture a truly spectacular cosmic moment and make a big contribution to some important science."

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The C/2021 S3 Pannstars comet approaching the Earth will not pose any danger to Earth.&nbsp;

The comet has been in the night sky since February 14 and will remain visible until the end of March. It will only become easier to see it clearly in the coming weeks when it will be much further away from the Sun. However, it will still not be visible to the naked eye.&nbsp;

<h2>How to take the perfect shot?</h2>

Astronomers will need a camera with a large lens and attach it to a small telescope&nbsp;to capture a quality image.

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It is advised to click a lot of timed photos of the comet as it will provide a detailed build-up of its journey through the solar system, as per Watson.&nbsp;

Anyone who captures the comet has been urged to send them to Ms Sarah Watson via the university.

(With inputs from agencies)

Stargazers assemble, as we are about to witness a rare comet with a missing tail in a few days from now. The C/2021 S3 Pannstars comet is all set to pass by Earth in the coming days, as per the UK-based University of Reading.

Stargazers assemble, as we are about to witness a rare comet with a missing tail in a few days from now. The C/2021 S3 Pannstars comet is all set to pass by Earth in the coming days, as per the UK-based University of Reading. The researchers at the university have asked sky enthusiasts to photograph this rare sight, as it will help them in their study to determine solar wind conditions. This comet with no tail can give new insights into the strength and direction of solar wind. Also Read | ‘Martians wanted’: NASA is looking for volunteers to live in a Mars simulator for a year Solar winds are the charged particles that exude from the Sun and have the ability to damage satellites in space and technology on Earth. And comets are like cosmic “windsocks”, telling about the direction and intensity of solar winds, as per the University of Reading. Why this rare comet with missing tail should be photographed PhD researcher Sarah Watson, who is leading the project, said that more information about solar wind can help scientists forecast it and limit the resulting harm. The rare comet with a detached tail gives an opportunity to the scientific community to learn about solar winds in detail. Watson added, "We need lots of timed photos of the comet to build up a picture of its journey through our solar system." "This is a fantastic opportunity for amateur astronomers to get out their telescopes, capture a truly spectacular cosmic moment and make a big contribution to some important science." Also Read | This ‘gold-dusted’ drug may reverse Parkinson’s disease: Study The C/2021 S3 Pannstars comet approaching the Earth will not pose any danger to Earth. The comet has been in the night sky since February 14 and will remain visible until the end of March. It will only become easier to see it clearly in the coming weeks when it will be much further away from the Sun. However, it will still not be visible to the naked eye. How to take the perfect shot? Astronomers will need a camera with a large lens and attach it to a small telescope to capture a quality image. Also Read | Scientists grow pair of 'laboratory testicles' with hope of easing male infertility It is advised to click a lot of timed photos of the comet as it will provide a detailed build-up of its journey through the solar system, as per Watson. Anyone who captures the comet has been urged to send them to Ms Sarah Watson via the university. (With inputs from agencies)

Comet with no tail is approaching Earth and researchers want stargazers to photograph it

NASA is on the lookout for a second batch of volunteers to participate in its year-long simulated Mars mission called Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA).

NASA seeks volunteers for simulated Mars mission

Nasa's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (Pace) mission soared into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Thursday.

NASA launches new climate mission to study ocean, atmosphere

Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry.

NASA’s Stardust mission was launched in 1999 to collect material from a comet called Wild 2. It was believed that the intriguing comet was formed beyond Neptune, which is currently said to be orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.

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For years, scientists intricately analysed the first samples brought from&nbsp;Wild 2 to understand the origin of the comet. But to everyone’s surprise, the icy object’s interior came out to be a blueprint of the universe.

<h2>Minuscule cosmic sample that contains ages of history</h2>

When Stardust brought back a comet sample to Earth, many scientists opined that its rocky inside material might be made up of the primordial dust that built the solar system. This was one of the reasons why the mission was named ‘stardust’.

But the actual samples told a different story- Wild 2 contained a potpourri of dust that formed from different events early in the solar system's history.

The research was published by Ryan Ogliore, an associate professor of physics in Arts &amp; Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying the Stardust samples for several years.&nbsp;

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For Ogliore, the discovery that Wild 2 contained a record of "local" events was exciting.

"The comet was a witness to the events that shaped the solar system into what we see today," he said.

The comet, being kept in cold storage for nearly its entire lifetime, protected it from any alteration from heat and water.

"Comet Wild 2 contains things we've never seen in meteorites, like unusual carbon-iron assemblages, and the precursors to igneous spherules that make up the most common type of meteorite," Ogliore said. "And all of these objects have been exquisitely preserved within Wild 2."

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The discovery was made after interrogating the comet samples for nearly two decades. The amount of sample was so minuscule, less than one milligram (a grain of sand), that it required high precision to extract data from it.

Every part of that miniature sample has a different story&nbsp;and it was a time-consuming process to analyse the extracted parts as well, says Ogliore.

Most of the Wild 2 particles are still unstudied and certainly hold many more surprises.&nbsp;

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry.

Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry. NASA’s Stardust mission was launched in 1999 to collect material from a comet called Wild 2. It was believed that the intriguing comet was formed beyond Neptune, which is currently said to be orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. Also Read | Tibet may be splitting apart due to colossal tectonic collision underneath Himalayas For years, scientists intricately analysed the first samples brought from Wild 2 to understand the origin of the comet. But to everyone’s surprise, the icy object’s interior came out to be a blueprint of the universe. Minuscule cosmic sample that contains ages of history When Stardust brought back a comet sample to Earth, many scientists opined that its rocky inside material might be made up of the primordial dust that built the solar system. This was one of the reasons why the mission was named ‘stardust’. But the actual samples told a different story- Wild 2 contained a potpourri of dust that formed from different events early in the solar system's history. The research was published by Ryan Ogliore, an associate professor of physics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying the Stardust samples for several years. Also Read | Big Bug Bang: US to see 'double cicada explosion' that won't happen for next 400 years For Ogliore, the discovery that Wild 2 contained a record of "local" events was exciting. "The comet was a witness to the events that shaped the solar system into what we see today," he said. The comet, being kept in cold storage for nearly its entire lifetime, protected it from any alteration from heat and water. "Comet Wild 2 contains things we've never seen in meteorites, like unusual carbon-iron assemblages, and the precursors to igneous spherules that make up the most common type of meteorite," Ogliore said. "And all of these objects have been exquisitely preserved within Wild 2." Also Read | Chinese researchers clone rhesus monkey with new technique, different from what used in Dolly the sheep The discovery was made after interrogating the comet samples for nearly two decades. The amount of sample was so minuscule, less than one milligram (a grain of sand), that it required high precision to extract data from it. Every part of that miniature sample has a different story and it was a time-consuming process to analyse the extracted parts as well, says Ogliore. Most of the Wild 2 particles are still unstudied and certainly hold many more surprises. (With inputs from agencies)

Astonishing! Sample from Wild 2 comet is a blueprint of the universe

With literally billions and billions of celestial bodies, and several things that can go 'wrong' or 'right', predicting anything about space with absolute accuracy is an extremely arduous task. In one such incident, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, nicknamed 'Old faithful' by astronomers has stopped exploding. The explosions that used to happen every 15 days are not happening anymore, thus putting scientists in a fix.

The comet has cryovolcanic activity, which means it spews ice into space. Think about volcanoes but instead of red, hot lava capable of toasting you in milliseconds, they spew ice.

Watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?

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Like any other celestial body, scientists and astronomers have been keeping a watch on Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. It was observed that the comet 'exploded' with cryovolcanic activity on November 14, December 1 and December 14 in the year gone by. Experts were expecting it to explode again on December 29. But even as they held their breaths, the comet decided to stay calm, baffling everybody.

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The nucleus of the comet has a diameter of about 34 kilometres. It has been in news all through last year due to its 'all-guns'blazing' behaviour. It drew significant attention of the scientific community in July last year when its brightness increased to a large extent. At that time, it was 3.9 Astronomical Units away from the Sun.

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One Astronomical Unit is the distance between the Earth and the Sun. This, and multiples of this distance is often used as sort of yardstick for shorter distances in space. For everything else... there's 'lightyear'.

"There have been no significant outbursts since the one on December 14," said Nick James of the British Astronomical Association, as quoted in a report by India Today. &nbsp;

"We are coming up to 30 days since the last outburst, so please observe this comet whenever you can."&nbsp;

It has been forecast that the Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will attain maximum brightness in April this year. At that time, it will be closer to Sun than the Earth.

While all that is fun, scientists are also waiting with baited breath for the comet's next explosion. If it keeps up with its previously established punctuality, we should see an explosion around January 15.

(With inputs from agencies)

With literally billions and billions of celestial bodies, and several things that can go 'wrong' or 'right', predicting anything about space with absolute accuracy is an extremely arduous task.

With literally billions and billions of celestial bodies, and several things that can go 'wrong' or 'right', predicting anything about space with absolute accuracy is an extremely arduous task. In one such incident, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, nicknamed 'Old faithful' by astronomers has stopped exploding. The explosions that used to happen every 15 days are not happening anymore, thus putting scientists in a fix. The comet has cryovolcanic activity, which means it spews ice into space. Think about volcanoes but instead of red, hot lava capable of toasting you in milliseconds, they spew ice. Watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × Like any other celestial body, scientists and astronomers have been keeping a watch on Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. It was observed that the comet 'exploded' with cryovolcanic activity on November 14, December 1 and December 14 in the year gone by. Experts were expecting it to explode again on December 29. But even as they held their breaths, the comet decided to stay calm, baffling everybody. Also Read | Missing link between a supernova and a black hole is finally revealed The nucleus of the comet has a diameter of about 34 kilometres. It has been in news all through last year due to its 'all-guns'blazing' behaviour. It drew significant attention of the scientific community in July last year when its brightness increased to a large extent. At that time, it was 3.9 Astronomical Units away from the Sun. Also Read | Study finds diamond rain is a possibility on Uranus, Neptune, and thousands of exoplanets One Astronomical Unit is the distance between the Earth and the Sun. This, and multiples of this distance is often used as sort of yardstick for shorter distances in space. For everything else... there's 'lightyear'. "There have been no significant outbursts since the one on December 14," said Nick James of the British Astronomical Association, as quoted in a report by India Today. "We are coming up to 30 days since the last outburst, so please observe this comet whenever you can." It has been forecast that the Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will attain maximum brightness in April this year. At that time, it will be closer to Sun than the Earth. While all that is fun, scientists are also waiting with baited breath for the comet's next explosion. If it keeps up with its previously established punctuality, we should see an explosion around January 15. (With inputs from agencies)

Will it, won't it? Comet 'exploding' every 15 days stops erupting 

Intuitive Machines, Inc. announced last month — in coordination with SpaceX — the launch of the Company’s IM-1 lunar mission, now targeted for a multi-day launch window that opens no earlier than mid-February this year.

Intuitive Machines scheduled to launch IM-1 lunar mission in February

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to race past the sun at a godly speed of 195 km/s, or 435,000 mph on December 24, 2024.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe plans to ‘touch the Sun’ in 2024

The massive 'Devil Comet' that is hurling towards Earth and has experienced several explosive events this year has led scientists to find a pattern for its eruptions.

The researchers now saw that the massive comet is likely to 'blow' as the space rock appears to eject ice and gas every 15 days violently.&nbsp;

As per the astronomers, the cosmic object, which is also known as comet 12P, rotates for over two weeks, positioning its cryovolcanic vent toward the sun which then gets activated by heat.

The last such explosive event took place on Dec 14, making Dec 29 or 30 the next date for the eruption.

"It's like 'Old Faithful," Spaceweather.com quoted Richard Miles of the British Astronomical Association as saying.

"Comet 12P has a super cryogeyser, the eruption of which occurs after local sunrise at its location," he added.

<h2>Devil Comet with horns</h2>

Comet 12P is cryovolcanic, meaning it has an icy shell or nucleus filled with gas and ice. After the comet absorbs enough radiation from the sun, its cryomagma or frosty innards get superheated. The pressure increases inside the nucleus till the shell cracks and the icy guts of the comet spray into space.

After every eruption, the comet's dust and a fuzzy, reflective cloud of cryomagma expand and make it appear brighter to astronomers. Till now, the comet had three major eruptions. One took place on July 20 when it was seen exploding for the first time in 69 years and the other explosion happened on October 5 when the eruption was more vigorous; and the third on Halloween (October 31) which was a comparatively less intense outburst.

<h2>Why do horns appear on the comet?</h2>

Every time an explosion occurred on the comet, its coma took an irregular shape with a "dark lane" which made it appear to have grown a pair of horns. On November 14, the comet had another major eruption, which was the most extreme outburst till now.

Astronomers watched as the comet became more than 100 times brighter than normal for some days after its coma expanded, reported Spaceweather.com. However, this time they could not see its distinctive horns.

"The coma seems perfectly circular this time," said Nick James, director of the British Astronomical Association's (BAA) comet section, while speaking to Spaceweather.com.

(With inputs from agencies)

The massive 'Devil Comet' that is hurling towards Earth and has experienced several explosive events this year has led scientists to find a pattern for its eruptions.

The massive 'Devil Comet' that is hurling towards Earth and has experienced several explosive events this year has led scientists to find a pattern for its eruptions. The researchers now saw that the massive comet is likely to 'blow' as the space rock appears to eject ice and gas every 15 days violently. As per the astronomers, the cosmic object, which is also known as comet 12P, rotates for over two weeks, positioning its cryovolcanic vent toward the sun which then gets activated by heat. The last such explosive event took place on Dec 14, making Dec 29 or 30 the next date for the eruption. "It's like 'Old Faithful," Spaceweather.com quoted Richard Miles of the British Astronomical Association as saying. "Comet 12P has a super cryogeyser, the eruption of which occurs after local sunrise at its location," he added. Devil Comet with horns Comet 12P is cryovolcanic, meaning it has an icy shell or nucleus filled with gas and ice. After the comet absorbs enough radiation from the sun, its cryomagma or frosty innards get superheated. The pressure increases inside the nucleus till the shell cracks and the icy guts of the comet spray into space. After every eruption, the comet's dust and a fuzzy, reflective cloud of cryomagma expand and make it appear brighter to astronomers. Till now, the comet had three major eruptions. One took place on July 20 when it was seen exploding for the first time in 69 years and the other explosion happened on October 5 when the eruption was more vigorous; and the third on Halloween (October 31) which was a comparatively less intense outburst. Why do horns appear on the comet? Every time an explosion occurred on the comet, its coma took an irregular shape with a "dark lane" which made it appear to have grown a pair of horns. On November 14, the comet had another major eruption, which was the most extreme outburst till now. Astronomers watched as the comet became more than 100 times brighter than normal for some days after its coma expanded, reported Spaceweather.com. However, this time they could not see its distinctive horns. "The coma seems perfectly circular this time," said Nick James, director of the British Astronomical Association's (BAA) comet section, while speaking to Spaceweather.com. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive 'devil comet' with horns set for another eruption soon, say scientists

Good news for meteor enthusiasts. Celestial delight is on the way! If you missed the glimpse of meteor showers this year, there is still a good chance to catch the sight of these majestic lights. Planet Earth will enter a stream of debris left around the sun by a near-Earth comet, which will trigger a new meteor shower this week.

As per scientists at the Observatoire de Paris, the Comet 46P/Wirtanen, which orbits the Sun every 5.4 years, could spark a meteor shower on Tuesday as its debris enters and burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere.&nbsp;

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“The results show a possible encounter forecast for 12 December 2023, between 8:00 and 12:30 UT [0300 and 0730 EST]. The activity level of the shower is highly uncertain due to the absence of reported past showers,” they wrote in a yet-to-be peer-reviewed study posted in arXiv.

<h2>How to watch meteor showers this week?</h2>

As per scientists, the best view of a meteor shower this week can be captured from Eastern Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. They can be witnessed on Dec 12 between 8:00 and 12:30 UT while the exact time may vary a few hours.&nbsp;

Scientists say the meteor shower observation would be of “tremendous scientific interest” as it can put constraints on the distribution of large particles for the comet.

<h2>Meteor showers</h2>

Meteor showers are created when Earth passes through clouds of debris left behind by comets as they move close to the sun. As radiation from our star heats them, solid material within the comet turns straight into gas through a process called sublimation.&nbsp;

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As the gas erupts from the outer icy shell and escapes the comet, it blows debris free that forms the distinctive tails called “comas”, of these icy cosmic bodies.

Meteors showers are named after objects in the sky from where the most intense bombardment seems to come. Thus, the Perseid meteor shower originates from debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle that appears to stream to Earth from the constellation Perseus.

(With inputs from agencies)

Good news for meteor enthusiasts. Celestial delight is on the way! If you missed the glimpse of meteor showers this year, there is still a good chance to catch the sight of these majestic lights.

Good news for meteor enthusiasts. Celestial delight is on the way! If you missed the glimpse of meteor showers this year, there is still a good chance to catch the sight of these majestic lights. Planet Earth will enter a stream of debris left around the sun by a near-Earth comet, which will trigger a new meteor shower this week. As per scientists at the Observatoire de Paris, the Comet 46P/Wirtanen, which orbits the Sun every 5.4 years, could spark a meteor shower on Tuesday as its debris enters and burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Also Read | Space gas stations: American startup aims to revolutionise space technology “The results show a possible encounter forecast for 12 December 2023, between 8:00 and 12:30 UT [0300 and 0730 EST]. The activity level of the shower is highly uncertain due to the absence of reported past showers,” they wrote in a yet-to-be peer-reviewed study posted in arXiv. How to watch meteor showers this week? As per scientists, the best view of a meteor shower this week can be captured from Eastern Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. They can be witnessed on Dec 12 between 8:00 and 12:30 UT while the exact time may vary a few hours. Scientists say the meteor shower observation would be of “tremendous scientific interest” as it can put constraints on the distribution of large particles for the comet. Meteor showers Meteor showers are created when Earth passes through clouds of debris left behind by comets as they move close to the sun. As radiation from our star heats them, solid material within the comet turns straight into gas through a process called sublimation. Also Read | Longer daily commute linked to poor mental health: Study As the gas erupts from the outer icy shell and escapes the comet, it blows debris free that forms the distinctive tails called “comas”, of these icy cosmic bodies. Meteors showers are named after objects in the sky from where the most intense bombardment seems to come. Thus, the Perseid meteor shower originates from debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle that appears to stream to Earth from the constellation Perseus. (With inputs from agencies)

Majestic meteor showers triggered by comet debris to light up sky. Check when to watch

A huge comet approaching Earth will be visible in 2024 when it makes its closest approach to the sun. On its way, the comet has already made two explosions in four months, as per the British Astronomy Association (BAA).&nbsp;

The comet named 12P/Pons-Brooks made sudden “outbursts” of dust and gas while travelling towards&nbsp;Earth. Astronomers say that the comet now looks like the Millennium Falcon or a devil with horns.&nbsp;

CBS News quoted Richard Miles of BAA saying that the comet is about 18 to 25 miles across and is “surrounded by a very much largely tenuous cloud of dust and gas.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oh-crab-james-webb-reveals-never-before-seen-details-of-the-crab-nebula-653251">Oh, Crab! James Webb reveals never-before-seen details of Crab Nebula</a>

The reports of the comet’s outburst are based on the observation by several telescopes, including Faulkes Telescope North in Maui. As per BAA, the comet burst&nbsp;twice in the months of July and October.&nbsp;

<h2>What does the comet look like after outbursts?</h2>

According to Spaceweather.com, during the July outburst, the comet looked like the Millennium Falcon as it burst out of debris in a way that it took the shape of the spacecraft. Other observers thought the pointed beams of light that came out of the rounded comet looked like devil horns, as per Live Science.

Outbursts are not very common in comets; the phenomenon happens only about 3-4 per cent of the time. When that happens, the particles ejected travel away from the nucleus, or centre of the comet and become diluted over time.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/x-ray-of-famous-hand-shaped-structure-in-space-unveils-magnetic-field-bones-653253">X-ray of hand-shaped structure in space reveals 'bones of a ghostly cosmic hand'</a>

In the case of 12P/Pons Brooks, the large nucleus of the comet casts a shadow around the cloud of gas and dust from the outburst, Miles explained while talking to CBS News. The sweeping dust created “the hollowed-out shape and horns so that the whole outburst coma looks a bit like the Millenium Falcon spaceship," he said.

The comet has also been described as “Halley-like”. The term was coined by Miles to describe comets that revolve in long elliptical orbits around the sun where it takes the comet between 20 and 200 years to go around once. But here, there’s a slight difference, as Miles said that Halley has an orbital period of 76 years whereas Pons Brook has an orbital period of 71 years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/where-exactly-on-mars-should-humans-go-nasa-scientists-release-a-map-653058">Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map</a>

<h2>When will the Devil Comet be visible?</h2>

The comet will pass closest to the sun around Apr 21 and will pass closest to Earth around June 2, Miles told the news outlet. It may be visible when it is closer to the sun.&nbsp;

While NASA has called 12P/Pons-Brooks a "near-Earth comet", Miles said it is about 70 times further from Earth than our moon is. "So a collision is entirely out of the question," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A huge comet approaching Earth will be visible in 2024 when it makes its closest approach to the sun. On its way, the comet has already made two explosions in four months, as per the British Astronomy Association (BAA).

A huge comet approaching Earth will be visible in 2024 when it makes its closest approach to the sun. On its way, the comet has already made two explosions in four months, as per the British Astronomy Association (BAA). The comet named 12P/Pons-Brooks made sudden “outbursts” of dust and gas while travelling towards Earth. Astronomers say that the comet now looks like the Millennium Falcon or a devil with horns. CBS News quoted Richard Miles of BAA saying that the comet is about 18 to 25 miles across and is “surrounded by a very much largely tenuous cloud of dust and gas.” Also Read | Oh, Crab! James Webb reveals never-before-seen details of Crab Nebula The reports of the comet’s outburst are based on the observation by several telescopes, including Faulkes Telescope North in Maui. As per BAA, the comet burst twice in the months of July and October. What does the comet look like after outbursts? According to Spaceweather.com, during the July outburst, the comet looked like the Millennium Falcon as it burst out of debris in a way that it took the shape of the spacecraft. Other observers thought the pointed beams of light that came out of the rounded comet looked like devil horns, as per Live Science. Outbursts are not very common in comets; the phenomenon happens only about 3-4 per cent of the time. When that happens, the particles ejected travel away from the nucleus, or centre of the comet and become diluted over time. Also Read | X-ray of hand-shaped structure in space reveals 'bones of a ghostly cosmic hand' In the case of 12P/Pons Brooks, the large nucleus of the comet casts a shadow around the cloud of gas and dust from the outburst, Miles explained while talking to CBS News. The sweeping dust created “the hollowed-out shape and horns so that the whole outburst coma looks a bit like the Millenium Falcon spaceship," he said. The comet has also been described as “Halley-like”. The term was coined by Miles to describe comets that revolve in long elliptical orbits around the sun where it takes the comet between 20 and 200 years to go around once. But here, there’s a slight difference, as Miles said that Halley has an orbital period of 76 years whereas Pons Brook has an orbital period of 71 years. Also Read | Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map When will the Devil Comet be visible? The comet will pass closest to the sun around Apr 21 and will pass closest to Earth around June 2, Miles told the news outlet. It may be visible when it is closer to the sun. While NASA has called 12P/Pons-Brooks a "near-Earth comet", Miles said it is about 70 times further from Earth than our moon is. "So a collision is entirely out of the question," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Devil Comet has had two outbursts in the last 4 months, will be visible from Earth. Here's when

Skygazers across the world, mark your calendars&nbsp;as "shooting stars" with their origin from the famous Halley's Comet will be visible this weekend (Oct 20-Oct 21). They will appear to originate from the Orion constellation - just above the famous Orion Belt of three bright stars - and hence it has been named an Orionid meteor shower.&nbsp;

Halley's Comet is the most famous short-period comet and the only one that can be seen twice in one human lifetime. The Orionids happen due to the dust and debris left behind in the inner solar system by Halley's Comet.&nbsp;

<h2>What are Orionids?</h2>

"Shooting stars" are a result of dust and debris from comets, which release energy when they strike the Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;

The upcoming Orionids are one of the two annual meteor showers caused by Halley's comet, the other being the Eta Aquariids spotted in April this year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-river-falls-to-lowest-level-in-over-a-century-amid-brazil-drought-crisis-648175">Amazon river falls to lowest level in over a century amid Brazil drought crisis</a> 
&nbsp; 
Halley's comet was last seen in 1986 in the inner solar system. Every 75 years, Halley's Comet, a massive snowball of ice, rock, and dust, reaches the inner solar system, where it melts and leaves behind debris. Meteor showers occur because this debris travels into Earth's orbit around the sun. The giant comet will return in 2061&nbsp;after reaching its halfway point in December of this year and then beginning its journey back towards the inner solar system.&nbsp;

The Orionids are already active, having started on September 26 and set to continue until November 22, although the important peak is on Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-egypt-was-a-cradle-of-deadly-poisonous-snakes-study-648012">Ancient Egypt was a cradle of deadly, poisonous snakes: Study</a>

<h2>Where to see the Orionids</h2>

Around 10-20 "shooting stars" should be visible per hour as the Orionids will reach their peak this weekend. This peak will occur at midnight EDT in North America, according to the American Meteor Society.&nbsp;

However, it is recommended to see the peak of the meteor shower any time after dark - in this case, on Friday, Oct 20 to dawn on Saturday, Oct 21. There are other dynamics too, especially the weather and the moon phase.&nbsp;

Even though you'll need clear skies to see anything noteworthy, sky conditions are good for this year’s Orionids,&nbsp;especially if you’re willing to stay up late. This is so because there's a first quarter moon, which will set at around midnight and is strong enough to bleach the night sky and make it harder to see the "shooting stars".

Therefore, the early hours of Saturday, October 21, will probably be the best time to watch the Orionids.

<h2>How to watch</h2>

The preferable way to approach the Orionids is to treat it as a stargazing session. So, get ready to enjoy the magnificent&nbsp;Orionid meteor shower&nbsp;which will rise high into the southeastern sky after midnight.&nbsp;

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Skygazers across the world, mark your calendars as "shooting stars" with their origin from the famous Halley's Comet will be visible this weekend (Oct 20-Oct 21).

Skygazers across the world, mark your calendars as "shooting stars" with their origin from the famous Halley's Comet will be visible this weekend (Oct 20-Oct 21). They will appear to originate from the Orion constellation - just above the famous Orion Belt of three bright stars - and hence it has been named an Orionid meteor shower. Halley's Comet is the most famous short-period comet and the only one that can be seen twice in one human lifetime. The Orionids happen due to the dust and debris left behind in the inner solar system by Halley's Comet. What are Orionids? "Shooting stars" are a result of dust and debris from comets, which release energy when they strike the Earth's atmosphere. The upcoming Orionids are one of the two annual meteor showers caused by Halley's comet, the other being the Eta Aquariids spotted in April this year. Also read: Amazon river falls to lowest level in over a century amid Brazil drought crisis Halley's comet was last seen in 1986 in the inner solar system. Every 75 years, Halley's Comet, a massive snowball of ice, rock, and dust, reaches the inner solar system, where it melts and leaves behind debris. Meteor showers occur because this debris travels into Earth's orbit around the sun. The giant comet will return in 2061 after reaching its halfway point in December of this year and then beginning its journey back towards the inner solar system. The Orionids are already active, having started on September 26 and set to continue until November 22, although the important peak is on Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21. Also read: Ancient Egypt was a cradle of deadly, poisonous snakes: Study Where to see the Orionids Around 10-20 "shooting stars" should be visible per hour as the Orionids will reach their peak this weekend. This peak will occur at midnight EDT in North America, according to the American Meteor Society. However, it is recommended to see the peak of the meteor shower any time after dark - in this case, on Friday, Oct 20 to dawn on Saturday, Oct 21. There are other dynamics too, especially the weather and the moon phase. Even though you'll need clear skies to see anything noteworthy, sky conditions are good for this year’s Orionids, especially if you’re willing to stay up late. This is so because there's a first quarter moon, which will set at around midnight and is strong enough to bleach the night sky and make it harder to see the "shooting stars". Therefore, the early hours of Saturday, October 21, will probably be the best time to watch the Orionids. How to watch The preferable way to approach the Orionids is to treat it as a stargazing session. So, get ready to enjoy the magnificent Orionid meteor shower which will rise high into the southeastern sky after midnight. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Orionid meteor shower is coming this weekend, courtesy Halley's Comet

A huge volcanic comet, which is as big as a city, has exploded violently for the second time in four months while it hurtled towards the sun. Similar to the previous eruption, it emitted a cloud of gas and ice which appeared like a gigantic pair of horns.&nbsp;

The comet, which is called 12P/Pons-Brooks, is a cryovolcanic or cold volcano comet. The comet has a solid nucleus which has an estimated diameter of 18.6 miles (30 kilometers), and contains a mix of dust, gas and ice known as cryomagma.&nbsp;

The nucleus has been surrounded by a fuzzy cloud of gas known as a coma, which leaks out of the interior of the comet. When the insides of the comet are heated by solar radiation, the pressure increases and the comet explodes violently, releasing its frosty guts through the cracks of the shell of the nucleus into space.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nearly-13000-years-ago-a-comet-impact-may-have-sparked-major-change-in-climate-644678">Nearly 13,000 years ago a comet impact may have sparked major change in climate</a>

On October 5, a large outburst from 12P was detected by astronomers after the comet turned a dozen times brighter because of extra light reflecting from its expanded coma, as per the British Astronomical Association (BAA), which has been observing the comet closely. &nbsp;

In the next few days, the coma of the comet further expanded and grew its "peculiar horns," reported Spaceweather.com. Few of the experts said that the coma's irregular shape makes it look like a science fiction spaceship, such as the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.

<h2>Comet may return to Earth in 2095</h2>

The unusual shape of the coma was most probably because of an irregularity in the shape of 12P's nucleus, said BAA astronomer Richard Miles, while speaking to Live Science after the previous eruption of the comet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Most likely, the outflowing gas is being obstructed partially by a notch sticking out on the nucleus, said Miles. He added that as the gas has been expanding away from the comet, the irregularity in the shape of the coma becomes more noticeable and defined.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Indian space agency ISRO fights over 100 cyber attacks every day

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Currently, 12P has been hurtling towards the inner side of the solar system where it will slingshot on the highly elliptical 71-year orbit of the sun, &nbsp;similar to how a near-identical manoeuvre was pulled off by green comet Nishimura on September 17.&nbsp;

On April 21, 2024, 12P will be coming closest to Earth and it is likely to become visible to the naked eye before getting catapulted back towards the outer solar system. The comet is not likely to return till 2095.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A huge volcanic comet, which is as big as a city, has exploded violently for the second time in four months while it hurtled towards the sun. Similar to the previous eruption, it emitted a cloud of gas and ice which appeared like a gigantic pair of horns.

A huge volcanic comet, which is as big as a city, has exploded violently for the second time in four months while it hurtled towards the sun. Similar to the previous eruption, it emitted a cloud of gas and ice which appeared like a gigantic pair of horns. The comet, which is called 12P/Pons-Brooks, is a cryovolcanic or cold volcano comet. The comet has a solid nucleus which has an estimated diameter of 18.6 miles (30 kilometers), and contains a mix of dust, gas and ice known as cryomagma. The nucleus has been surrounded by a fuzzy cloud of gas known as a coma, which leaks out of the interior of the comet. When the insides of the comet are heated by solar radiation, the pressure increases and the comet explodes violently, releasing its frosty guts through the cracks of the shell of the nucleus into space. ALSO READ | Nearly 13,000 years ago a comet impact may have sparked major change in climate On October 5, a large outburst from 12P was detected by astronomers after the comet turned a dozen times brighter because of extra light reflecting from its expanded coma, as per the British Astronomical Association (BAA), which has been observing the comet closely. In the next few days, the coma of the comet further expanded and grew its "peculiar horns," reported Spaceweather.com. Few of the experts said that the coma's irregular shape makes it look like a science fiction spaceship, such as the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. Comet may return to Earth in 2095 The unusual shape of the coma was most probably because of an irregularity in the shape of 12P's nucleus, said BAA astronomer Richard Miles, while speaking to Live Science after the previous eruption of the comet. Most likely, the outflowing gas is being obstructed partially by a notch sticking out on the nucleus, said Miles. He added that as the gas has been expanding away from the comet, the irregularity in the shape of the coma becomes more noticeable and defined. WATCH | Indian space agency ISRO fights over 100 cyber attacks every day Currently, 12P has been hurtling towards the inner side of the solar system where it will slingshot on the highly elliptical 71-year orbit of the sun, similar to how a near-identical manoeuvre was pulled off by green comet Nishimura on September 17. On April 21, 2024, 12P will be coming closest to Earth and it is likely to become visible to the naked eye before getting catapulted back towards the outer solar system. The comet is not likely to return till 2095. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Giant cryovolcanic comet with 'horns' is racing towards Earth after exploding in space

Jupiter isn't just another gas blob floating in space in our Solar System. It is the biggest planet that revolves around the sun. It is also the only planet in the Solar System which came close to being a star. Thankfully for us, it didn't.

But this is not the only good thing about Jupiter. The gas giant, along with Saturn, is believed by scientists to be actively protecting the inner planets in the Solar System.

More on this in a short while.

A celestial body has collided with Jupiter. It was a small celestial body compared to the gigantic size of Jupiter but it is likely to be proportionally bigger when compared with Earth.

Space.com has reported that the collision took place at 1:45 am&nbsp;Japan Standard Time on Aug. 29.

An account associated with the Organised Autotelescopes for Serendipitous Event Survey (OASES) project and the Planetary Observation Camera for Optical Transient Surveys (PONCOTS) system posted about the collision on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;

The collision caused a tiny flash in Jupiter's atmosphere.

An account named 'MASA Planetary Log' later posted footage on X that showed a brief burst of light associated with the collision.

Another independent observation was made by am amateur astronomer in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou in Henan province.&nbsp;

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きのうのTLで知った木星の閃光、撮影したデータを確認してみたら写っていました。 
…声が出ました(^^; 
日本時間2023年8月29日1:45、世界時28日16:45です。<a href="https://t.co/UYhnvAmA63">https://t.co/UYhnvAmA63</a><a href="https://t.co/Y7nCHtJq4k">https://t.co/Y7nCHtJq4k</a> <a href="https://t.co/g0FerdyoVg">pic.twitter.com/g0FerdyoVg</a>
— MASA Planetary Log (@MASA_06R) <a href="https://twitter.com/MASA_06R/status/1696613936534360293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The OASES account on X posted a high-res image of Jupiter at the time of the collision.

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8月29日1時45分(日本時間)に木星表面で発生した閃光について、多くの皆様から観測報告をいただきました。ご協力感謝いたします。 
現時点までにアマチュア観測家の皆様からご提供いただいた動画データを使用して、閃光が発生した瞬間の木星の高解像度画像を作成しました。 <a href="https://t.co/yHIp6VMUas">pic.twitter.com/yHIp6VMUas</a>
— 京都大学OASES/PONCOTSプロジェクト (@OASES_miyako) <a href="https://twitter.com/OASES_miyako/status/1697120198204195152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This brings us back to the discussion on how Jupiter protects the inner solar system and may even be responsible for flourishing life on Earth.

The huge gravity of Jupiter attracts asteroids and comets that are hurtling towards the inner Solar System, perhaps on a collision course with some planet (even Earth!). These space rocks may be huge by our perception but when compared to Jupiter, they are pretty tiny. So the gas giant gobbles them up like its nobody's business and continues on its path around the Sun as if nothing major has happened, and plays our protector in a way.

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Jupiter isn't just another gas blob floating in space in our Solar System. It is the biggest planet that revolves around the sun. It is also the only planet in the Solar System which came close to being a star.

Jupiter isn't just another gas blob floating in space in our Solar System. It is the biggest planet that revolves around the sun. It is also the only planet in the Solar System which came close to being a star. Thankfully for us, it didn't. But this is not the only good thing about Jupiter. The gas giant, along with Saturn, is believed by scientists to be actively protecting the inner planets in the Solar System. More on this in a short while. A celestial body has collided with Jupiter. It was a small celestial body compared to the gigantic size of Jupiter but it is likely to be proportionally bigger when compared with Earth. Space.com has reported that the collision took place at 1:45 am Japan Standard Time on Aug. 29. An account associated with the Organised Autotelescopes for Serendipitous Event Survey (OASES) project and the Planetary Observation Camera for Optical Transient Surveys (PONCOTS) system posted about the collision on X (formerly Twitter). The collision caused a tiny flash in Jupiter's atmosphere. An account named 'MASA Planetary Log' later posted footage on X that showed a brief burst of light associated with the collision. Another independent observation was made by am amateur astronomer in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou in Henan province. きのうのTLで知った木星の閃光、撮影したデータを確認してみたら写っていました。 …声が出ました(^^; 日本時間2023年8月29日1:45、世界時28日16:45です。https://t.co/UYhnvAmA63https://t.co/Y7nCHtJq4k pic.twitter.com/g0FerdyoVg — MASA Planetary Log (@MASA_06R) August 29, 2023 × The OASES account on X posted a high-res image of Jupiter at the time of the collision. 8月29日1時45分(日本時間)に木星表面で発生した閃光について、多くの皆様から観測報告をいただきました。ご協力感謝いたします。 現時点までにアマチュア観測家の皆様からご提供いただいた動画データを使用して、閃光が発生した瞬間の木星の高解像度画像を作成しました。 pic.twitter.com/yHIp6VMUas — 京都大学OASES/PONCOTSプロジェクト (@OASES_miyako) August 31, 2023 × This brings us back to the discussion on how Jupiter protects the inner solar system and may even be responsible for flourishing life on Earth. The huge gravity of Jupiter attracts asteroids and comets that are hurtling towards the inner Solar System, perhaps on a collision course with some planet (even Earth!). These space rocks may be huge by our perception but when compared to Jupiter, they are pretty tiny. So the gas giant gobbles them up like its nobody's business and continues on its path around the Sun as if nothing major has happened, and plays our protector in a way. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

A cosmic body bigger than the Earth just collided with Jupiter. Here's what happened

NASA is exploring the potential for a supersonic jet that could take commercial passengers from London to New York in 90 minutes.

NASA's supersonic passenger flights are getting closer

A comet, which has been recently discovered and is moving towards Earth, is likely to have originated from outside our solar system and is expected to get catapulted back into interstellar space after it performs an intense gravitational slingshot around the sun.&nbsp;

However, before the comet's forever departure from our cosmic space, the icy object is likely to turn 100 times brighter which means it is likely to shine like a star in the night sky.&nbsp;

The comet, which has been designated C/2023 P1, was discovered by amateur Japanese astronomer Hideo Nishimura on August 12 while falling towards the heart of the solar system. As per the follow-up observations, the object which has been nicknamed Comet Nishimura has a hyperbolic orbit, as stated by Spaceweather.com.&nbsp;

A hyperbolic orbit is when a cosmic object slingshots around a bigger body. like the sun, providing enough energy to smaller objects to escape the gravitational pull of the larger ones.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-an-impressive-meteor-shower-and-satellite-train-caught-on-camera-627045"> ‘Impressive’ meteor shower and satellite ‘train’ caught on camera</a>

The orbit of Comet Nishimura means that this is most probably going to be the comet's first and final trip through the inner solar system.&nbsp;

<h2>Comet Nishimura to make its closest approach to Earth on Sept 13</h2>

The origin of the comet likely took place outside our start system, which makes it the third known interstellar object ever detected, after 'Oumuamua' - which was speculatively suggested by some astronomers as an alien spacecraft — and Comet 2I/Borisov. &nbsp;

There is also a possibility that the origin of the comet is in the outer reaches of the Oort Cloud, which is a reservoir of comets and other icy objects beyond Neptune's orbit - and has been floating on the solar system's edge for millennia before it got caught in the gravitational pull of the sun.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;NASA loses contact with Voyager-2, spacecraft is travelling in interstellar space | WION

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On September 13, Comet Nishimura will make its closest approach to Earth and will be at its closest proximity to the sun on September 18.&nbsp;

When it will come closer to the sun, the comet will get brighter, with an apparent magnitude ranging between 5 and 3 in the night sky, which will be as bright as a typical star, as per Spaceweather.com.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A comet, which has been recently discovered and is moving towards Earth, is likely to have originated from outside our solar system and is expected to get catapulted back into interstellar space after it performs an intense gravitational slingshot around the sun.

A comet, which has been recently discovered and is moving towards Earth, is likely to have originated from outside our solar system and is expected to get catapulted back into interstellar space after it performs an intense gravitational slingshot around the sun. However, before the comet's forever departure from our cosmic space, the icy object is likely to turn 100 times brighter which means it is likely to shine like a star in the night sky. The comet, which has been designated C/2023 P1, was discovered by amateur Japanese astronomer Hideo Nishimura on August 12 while falling towards the heart of the solar system. As per the follow-up observations, the object which has been nicknamed Comet Nishimura has a hyperbolic orbit, as stated by Spaceweather.com. A hyperbolic orbit is when a cosmic object slingshots around a bigger body. like the sun, providing enough energy to smaller objects to escape the gravitational pull of the larger ones. ALSO READ | ‘Impressive’ meteor shower and satellite ‘train’ caught on camera The orbit of Comet Nishimura means that this is most probably going to be the comet's first and final trip through the inner solar system. Comet Nishimura to make its closest approach to Earth on Sept 13 The origin of the comet likely took place outside our start system, which makes it the third known interstellar object ever detected, after 'Oumuamua' - which was speculatively suggested by some astronomers as an alien spacecraft — and Comet 2I/Borisov. There is also a possibility that the origin of the comet is in the outer reaches of the Oort Cloud, which is a reservoir of comets and other icy objects beyond Neptune's orbit - and has been floating on the solar system's edge for millennia before it got caught in the gravitational pull of the sun. WATCH | NASA loses contact with Voyager-2, spacecraft is travelling in interstellar space | WION On September 13, Comet Nishimura will make its closest approach to Earth and will be at its closest proximity to the sun on September 18. When it will come closer to the sun, the comet will get brighter, with an apparent magnitude ranging between 5 and 3 in the night sky, which will be as bright as a typical star, as per Spaceweather.com. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Look Up! An 'interstellar comet' is nearing Earth and will never be seen again

The Australian Space Agency has revealed that the mysterious light streak witnessed across Victoria's night sky shortly after Monday midnight likely originated from the remnants of a Russian rocket.&nbsp;

Numerous observers throughout the state, spanning from Melbourne CBD to Mount Buller, observed this incredible celestial phenomenon, with many people claiming that they detected both a 'boom' sound and vibrations beneath them.

In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon (August 8), the Australian Space Agency disclosed that the event was "probably the aftermath of a Russian Soyuz-2 rocket re-entering Earth's atmosphere."&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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What an amazing sight over Richmond 💫 I don't know if <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Comet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Comet</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceJunk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceJunk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melbourne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melbourne</a> <a href="https://t.co/8SHbweU2qK">pic.twitter.com/8SHbweU2qK</a>
— Stewart Mason (@karmicstewii) <a href="https://twitter.com/karmicstewii/status/1688556188043206656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The luminous streak was visible for a duration of 30 to 40 seconds.&nbsp;

"Launch of the Soyuz-2 rocket occurred from Plesetsk Cosmodrome earlier in the evening. According to Russian authorities the launch placed a new generation 'GLONASS-K2' global navigation satellite into orbit," the space agency said via a statement.

Contrary to initial speculation suggesting a meteoric origin, Swinburne University astronomer Alan Duffy conveyed to Australian local media that there were obvious signs that showed this happened because of space debris.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mysterious-object-found-on-australian-beach-moved-to-a-secret-location-617458">Also read:&nbsp;Mysterious object on Australia beach sent to secret location; India says no link to its space launch</a>

Duffy expounded, "The extended, large flash of light...burning up for 30-40 seconds and breaking up... indicates space junk. It's not a small naturally occurring space rock like a meteor; it's something substantial, probably weighing a couple of tonnes. In some videos, you can discern colors in the burning fragments."

Watch:&nbsp;Australia &amp; India have many space sector start-ups: Enrico Palermo, head of Australian Space Agency

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Although the luminous display appeared quite close to the Earth, Duffy clarified that it was situated "tens of kilometres above" the surface. He acknowledged some people may have heard a boom sound and experienced shaking ground as certain fragments must have been dense enough to reach the surface of the Earth.

Furthermore, Geoscience Australia detected seismic signals in the vicinity of northwest Melbourne, which are typically associated with earthquakes, potentially explaining the reports of ground tremors.

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e

The Australian Space Agency has revealed that the mysterious light streak witnessed across Victoria's night sky shortly after Monday midnight likely originated from the remnants of a Russian rocket.

The Australian Space Agency has revealed that the mysterious light streak witnessed across Victoria's night sky shortly after Monday midnight likely originated from the remnants of a Russian rocket. Numerous observers throughout the state, spanning from Melbourne CBD to Mount Buller, observed this incredible celestial phenomenon, with many people claiming that they detected both a 'boom' sound and vibrations beneath them. In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon (August 8), the Australian Space Agency disclosed that the event was "probably the aftermath of a Russian Soyuz-2 rocket re-entering Earth's atmosphere." Watch the video here: What an amazing sight over Richmond 💫 I don't know if #Meteor #Comet or #SpaceJunk #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/8SHbweU2qK — Stewart Mason (@karmicstewii) August 7, 2023 × The luminous streak was visible for a duration of 30 to 40 seconds. "Launch of the Soyuz-2 rocket occurred from Plesetsk Cosmodrome earlier in the evening. According to Russian authorities the launch placed a new generation 'GLONASS-K2' global navigation satellite into orbit," the space agency said via a statement. Contrary to initial speculation suggesting a meteoric origin, Swinburne University astronomer Alan Duffy conveyed to Australian local media that there were obvious signs that showed this happened because of space debris. Also read: Mysterious object on Australia beach sent to secret location; India says no link to its space launch Duffy expounded, "The extended, large flash of light...burning up for 30-40 seconds and breaking up... indicates space junk. It's not a small naturally occurring space rock like a meteor; it's something substantial, probably weighing a couple of tonnes. In some videos, you can discern colors in the burning fragments." Watch: Australia & India have many space sector start-ups: Enrico Palermo, head of Australian Space Agency × Although the luminous display appeared quite close to the Earth, Duffy clarified that it was situated "tens of kilometres above" the surface. He acknowledged some people may have heard a boom sound and experienced shaking ground as certain fragments must have been dense enough to reach the surface of the Earth. Furthermore, Geoscience Australia detected seismic signals in the vicinity of northwest Melbourne, which are typically associated with earthquakes, potentially explaining the reports of ground tremors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × e

Watch: Mysterious light seen above Australia's Victoria linked to Russian rocket

A rare green Comet is expected to appear in Indian skies on January 30 and can be spotted with naked eyes. Last time, the comet passed by earth 50,000 years ago. The Comet, named C/2022 E3, will be visible in different parts of India in the last week of January and early February. &nbsp;It will be closest to Earth on February 2 at 42 million kilometres distance from the planet before going far away into the solar system. The comet, which is still leaving behind a dazzling tail, has been photographed in the skies above the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle (Ladakh). The comet was travelling at a relative speed of 2,07,000 kilometres per hour as it raced between the orbits of Earth and Mars.

<h2>Green Comet all details</h2>

Visible time: The Green Comet will be visible in different parts of India in last week of January and early February.

Location:&nbsp;Try to locate the green Comet&nbsp;at a height of around 20 degrees between Saptarshi Mandal (the huge bear) and the Pole star.

Best place to look for the comet:&nbsp;Go and find a dark place, away from cities and urban areas to avoid light pollution. Darker the sky, brighter the comet will appear.

Best time to look for Comet: The best time to look for the comet is early morning hours after the moon disappears from the sky. Moon light makes other solar bodies in the sky look dimmer.

How to have a better view of the Comet:&nbsp;Get ready with binoculars and telescope to get a better view of the shooting star.

<h2>Green comet location and time</h2>

One can try to locate the comet at a height of around 20 degrees between Saptarshi Mandal (the huge bear) and the Pole star. Binoculars and a telescope will give you a better view of the comet. As the comet moves away from Earth, its brightness will progressively diminish. Since moonlight makes items in the sky appear substantially dimmer, the best time to see it is right after moonset in the early morning hours. Although comet brightness is hard to predict, this one is probably going to be the brightest in 2023.

<h2>What are Comets?</h2>

Comets are snowballs that orbit the solar system and are comprised of frozen gases, rocks, and dust. These celestial bodies are modest while they are frozen, but when they approach the Sun, they become heated and spew gases and dust, creating a giant luminous head that is larger than most planets. The comet's orbital period was estimated to be close to 50,000 years, according to Space.com. This indicates that it will be coming within 50,000 years of Earth next month.

<h2>NASA’s comment on Green Comet</h2>

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Neanderthal Comet will move to the northwest over the course of January, and between February 1 and 2, it will make its closest approach to Earth. According to NASA's "What's Up" blog, comets are notoriously unpredictable, but if this one maintains its current trend in brightness, it will be simple to see with binoculars and may even become visible to the unaided eye under dark skies. To avoid light pollution, stargazers might like to go to dark, scarcely populated areas to get a better view of the trudging comet.

A rare green Comet is expected to appear in Indian skies on January 30 and can be spotted with naked eyes. Last time, the comet passed by earth 50,000 years ago.

A rare green Comet is expected to appear in Indian skies on January 30 and can be spotted with naked eyes. Last time, the comet passed by earth 50,000 years ago. The Comet, named C/2022 E3, will be visible in different parts of India in the last week of January and early February. It will be closest to Earth on February 2 at 42 million kilometres distance from the planet before going far away into the solar system. The comet, which is still leaving behind a dazzling tail, has been photographed in the skies above the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle (Ladakh). The comet was travelling at a relative speed of 2,07,000 kilometres per hour as it raced between the orbits of Earth and Mars. Green Comet all details Visible time: The Green Comet will be visible in different parts of India in last week of January and early February. Location: Try to locate the green Comet at a height of around 20 degrees between Saptarshi Mandal (the huge bear) and the Pole star. Best place to look for the comet: Go and find a dark place, away from cities and urban areas to avoid light pollution. Darker the sky, brighter the comet will appear. Best time to look for Comet: The best time to look for the comet is early morning hours after the moon disappears from the sky. Moon light makes other solar bodies in the sky look dimmer. How to have a better view of the Comet: Get ready with binoculars and telescope to get a better view of the shooting star. Green comet location and time One can try to locate the comet at a height of around 20 degrees between Saptarshi Mandal (the huge bear) and the Pole star. Binoculars and a telescope will give you a better view of the comet. As the comet moves away from Earth, its brightness will progressively diminish. Since moonlight makes items in the sky appear substantially dimmer, the best time to see it is right after moonset in the early morning hours. Although comet brightness is hard to predict, this one is probably going to be the brightest in 2023. What are Comets? Comets are snowballs that orbit the solar system and are comprised of frozen gases, rocks, and dust. These celestial bodies are modest while they are frozen, but when they approach the Sun, they become heated and spew gases and dust, creating a giant luminous head that is larger than most planets. The comet's orbital period was estimated to be close to 50,000 years, according to Space.com. This indicates that it will be coming within 50,000 years of Earth next month. NASA’s comment on Green Comet According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Neanderthal Comet will move to the northwest over the course of January, and between February 1 and 2, it will make its closest approach to Earth. According to NASA's "What's Up" blog, comets are notoriously unpredictable, but if this one maintains its current trend in brightness, it will be simple to see with binoculars and may even become visible to the unaided eye under dark skies. To avoid light pollution, stargazers might like to go to dark, scarcely populated areas to get a better view of the trudging comet.

Green Comet 2023: Check date, visible time and location; know when and how to view the rare shooting star

A rare glowing comet is making a trip back to planet earth after a long gap of about 50,000 years. For all the stargazers, you can catch the glimpse of the glowing comet as it will be closest Wednesday and Thursday next week. How close will the comet be to Earth? Well, the exotic comet will shoot past the planet at a mere distance of 2.5 light minutes which is just 27m miles.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sara-al-sayed-saudi-arabias-new-deputy-foreign-minister-for-public-diplomacy-555365">Who is Sara Al Sayed, Saudi Arabia's new deputy foreign minister for public diplomacy?</a>

The green comet was calculated to orbit the sun every 50,000 years which means the last time the comet tore past our planet was in the time of the Neanderthals. The comet comes from the Oort cloud and gets its beautiful green glow from diatomic carbon (pairs of carbon atoms that are bound together) that is present in the comet's head. When the ultraviolet rays of solar radiation fall on the comet, these molecules emit green light.&nbsp;

The comet was visible last month as well however the glow was not much due to the large distance from our home planet. Astronomers captured pictures which showed the head of the comet's body, its long more tenuous ion and a dust tail. However, as it is set to approach the earth, the comet will be glowing more and can be seen from the naked eye.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confronts-china-with-evidence-of-state-owned-companies-aiding-russia-in-ukraine-war-555363">US confronts China with evidence of state-owned companies aiding Russia in Ukraine war</a>

Comet C/2022 E3 is visible in the northern hemisphere and as the sky gets darkens in the evening, it can be seen below and left to the Plough constellation handle. Next week, the comet is heading for a fly-by of the pole star which is the brightest star in Ursa Minor.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-defends-planned-military-drills-with-russia-and-china-555357">South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China</a>

With no definite window for viewing the charming green glowing comet, it is most likely to be at its best on 1 and 2 February. Later, by the middle of the month, the comet's glow will be dimmed again as it gets back into the solar system to the Oort cloud.&nbsp;

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A rare glowing comet is making a trip back to planet earth after a long gap of about 50,000 years. For all the stargazers, you can catch the glimpse of the glowing comet as it will be closest Wednesday and Thursday next week.

A rare glowing comet is making a trip back to planet earth after a long gap of about 50,000 years. For all the stargazers, you can catch the glimpse of the glowing comet as it will be closest Wednesday and Thursday next week. How close will the comet be to Earth? Well, the exotic comet will shoot past the planet at a mere distance of 2.5 light minutes which is just 27m miles. ALSO READ | Who is Sara Al Sayed, Saudi Arabia's new deputy foreign minister for public diplomacy? The green comet was calculated to orbit the sun every 50,000 years which means the last time the comet tore past our planet was in the time of the Neanderthals. The comet comes from the Oort cloud and gets its beautiful green glow from diatomic carbon (pairs of carbon atoms that are bound together) that is present in the comet's head. When the ultraviolet rays of solar radiation fall on the comet, these molecules emit green light. The comet was visible last month as well however the glow was not much due to the large distance from our home planet. Astronomers captured pictures which showed the head of the comet's body, its long more tenuous ion and a dust tail. However, as it is set to approach the earth, the comet will be glowing more and can be seen from the naked eye. ALSO READ | US confronts China with evidence of state-owned companies aiding Russia in Ukraine war Comet C/2022 E3 is visible in the northern hemisphere and as the sky gets darkens in the evening, it can be seen below and left to the Plough constellation handle. Next week, the comet is heading for a fly-by of the pole star which is the brightest star in Ursa Minor. WATCH | South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China With no definite window for viewing the charming green glowing comet, it is most likely to be at its best on 1 and 2 February. Later, by the middle of the month, the comet's glow will be dimmed again as it gets back into the solar system to the Oort cloud. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Stargazers Alert ! Rare exotic green comet to shoot past earth after 50,000 years

A recently discovered comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF), will approach close to the Earth on February 1 and can be visible to the naked eye. The event is considered rare as it has not been witnessed for the past 50,000 years.

The comet was first found in March last year by astronomers through the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility, NASA said. At that time, the falling star was passing through Jupiter’s orbit, and it has grown since then.

The comet will come close to Sun on January 12 and pass nearest to the Earth on February 1. It can be seen by anyone, including those who do not have a telescope, provided the sky is not too illuminated by city lights or the Moon.

For those living in Northern Hemisphere, the comet will be visible in January in the early morning, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the comet will make its appearance by early February.

C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is made of ice and dust and emits a greenish aura. It is estimated to have a diameter of around a kilometre, Nicolas Biver, an astrophysicist at the Paris Observatory, told AFP news agency.

Space.com reported that the orbital period of the comet was around 50,000 years, which means that it will be making its first approach to Earth in 50,000 years next month.

It is estimated that the comet last passed Earth during the Upper Paleolithic period, when Neanderthals still roamed Earth.

It is believed that the comet may have come from the Oort Cloud, a theorised vast sphere surrounding the Solar System that is home to mysterious icy objects.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A recently discovered comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF), will approach close to the Earth on February 1 and can be visible to the naked eye. The event is considered rare as it has not been witnessed for the past 50,000 years.

A recently discovered comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF), will approach close to the Earth on February 1 and can be visible to the naked eye. The event is considered rare as it has not been witnessed for the past 50,000 years. The comet was first found in March last year by astronomers through the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility, NASA said. At that time, the falling star was passing through Jupiter’s orbit, and it has grown since then. The comet will come close to Sun on January 12 and pass nearest to the Earth on February 1. It can be seen by anyone, including those who do not have a telescope, provided the sky is not too illuminated by city lights or the Moon. For those living in Northern Hemisphere, the comet will be visible in January in the early morning, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the comet will make its appearance by early February. C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is made of ice and dust and emits a greenish aura. It is estimated to have a diameter of around a kilometre, Nicolas Biver, an astrophysicist at the Paris Observatory, told AFP news agency. Space.com reported that the orbital period of the comet was around 50,000 years, which means that it will be making its first approach to Earth in 50,000 years next month. It is estimated that the comet last passed Earth during the Upper Paleolithic period, when Neanderthals still roamed Earth. It is believed that the comet may have come from the Oort Cloud, a theorised vast sphere surrounding the Solar System that is home to mysterious icy objects. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rare comet that was last seen 50,000 years ago to fly past Earth

We have a visitor in our backyard. Comet K2 is set to fly by Earth this week. Comets are not rare as much as they are fascinating. They are made of water, dust and ice. Comet K2 is the most distant active comet found. And this one has scientists scratching their heads.

Comets 'live' in Oort cloud, a repository of comets and other frozen spacaballs in the outer reaches of our Solar System. When external gravitational forces nudge one of the comets, it comes under the gravitational influence of the Sun and begins travelling million of miles towards the Sun. As the comet gradually comes closer to the Sun, it begins warming up and ice begins melting. As this happens, the water and other materials form the tail and halo of the comet.

Usually, this process starts when the comet is around Jupiter. But Comet K2 gave signs of this activity when it was around Neptune. The comet developed a halo when it was in a region of Solar System where solar rays are too feeble to melt ice on the comet.&nbsp;

Comets are like time capsules. They contain within them elements and materials that were formed at the time of formation of the Solar System. Study of comets is hence very important for scientists.

"It's kind of like being able to touch something from the beginning of the solar system," David Jewitt, an astronomer at University of California, Los Angeles, told Space.com. "It's probably the most primitive thing in the inner solar system at this time."

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We have a visitor in our backyard. Comet K2 is set to fly by Earth this week. Comets are not rare as much as they are fascinating. They are made of water, dust and ice.

We have a visitor in our backyard. Comet K2 is set to fly by Earth this week. Comets are not rare as much as they are fascinating. They are made of water, dust and ice. Comet K2 is the most distant active comet found. And this one has scientists scratching their heads. Comets 'live' in Oort cloud, a repository of comets and other frozen spacaballs in the outer reaches of our Solar System. When external gravitational forces nudge one of the comets, it comes under the gravitational influence of the Sun and begins travelling million of miles towards the Sun. As the comet gradually comes closer to the Sun, it begins warming up and ice begins melting. As this happens, the water and other materials form the tail and halo of the comet. Usually, this process starts when the comet is around Jupiter. But Comet K2 gave signs of this activity when it was around Neptune. The comet developed a halo when it was in a region of Solar System where solar rays are too feeble to melt ice on the comet. Comets are like time capsules. They contain within them elements and materials that were formed at the time of formation of the Solar System. Study of comets is hence very important for scientists. "It's kind of like being able to touch something from the beginning of the solar system," David Jewitt, an astronomer at University of California, Los Angeles, told Space.com. "It's probably the most primitive thing in the inner solar system at this time." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mysterious Comet K2 baffles scientists

An enormous comet that is twice the size of Mount Everest has entered the inner part of our solar system and is about to pass through Earth in July.

Comet&nbsp;C/2017 K2 (PANSTARRS), called K2 for short, was first spotted by the&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope on the outer reaches of the solar system in 2017.

At the time, K2 was considered the farthest active comet ever spotted, although it was surpassed by a distant megacomet named&nbsp;Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein&nbsp;last year.

According to astronomers, K2 will make its closest approach&nbsp;to Earth on July 14 during which the comet will be approximately 168 million miles (270 million kilometres) from&nbsp;Earth.&nbsp;

Those who don’t own a telescope can view the comet’s passage online through public observatories like the Virtual Telescope Project's live webcast. It will begin at 2215 GM) on July 14.&nbsp;

After it passes Earth in July, K2 will continue its journey on toward perihelion, which is its closest pass by the sun.

Scientists have known about comet C/2017 K2 for several years. But there has been a debate about how big the comet’s nucleus is. According to NASA solar system ambassadors Eddie Irrizarry and Kelly Kizer Whitt, it is estimated that the comet falls between a range of 11 and 100 miles (18 and 161 kilometres) wide.

The size of the comet's tail, or coma, is also being debated by astronomers. The trail of dust and gases behind C/2017 K2 is estimated to be anywhere between 81,000 and 500,000 miles (130,000 and 800,000 kilometres) across.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-us-x-37b-space-plane-eyes-orbital-record-493282" hreflang="en">Mysterious US X-37B space plane eyes orbital record</a>

Moreover, the comet has been getting brighter as it continued to make its way toward the inner solar system.

During its closest approach on July 14, the comet is expected to brighten to magnitude 8 or even 7, which, unfortunately, is still too dim for the unaided eye to see, according to EarthSky.org.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-new-plan-to-find-earth-20-et-493238" hreflang="en">China's new plan to find 'Earth 2.0 ET'</a>

K2 will remain in telescope view throughout the summer before heading off for its closest approach to the sun, which will occur on December 19.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An enormous comet that is twice the size of Mount Everest has entered the inner part of our solar system and is about to pass through Earth in July. Comet C/2017 K2 (PANSTARRS), called K2 for short, was first spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope on the outer reaches of the solar system in 2017.

An enormous comet that is twice the size of Mount Everest has entered the inner part of our solar system and is about to pass through Earth in July. Comet C/2017 K2 (PANSTARRS), called K2 for short, was first spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope on the outer reaches of the solar system in 2017. At the time, K2 was considered the farthest active comet ever spotted, although it was surpassed by a distant megacomet named Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein last year. According to astronomers, K2 will make its closest approach to Earth on July 14 during which the comet will be approximately 168 million miles (270 million kilometres) from Earth. Those who don’t own a telescope can view the comet’s passage online through public observatories like the Virtual Telescope Project's live webcast. It will begin at 2215 GM) on July 14. After it passes Earth in July, K2 will continue its journey on toward perihelion, which is its closest pass by the sun. Scientists have known about comet C/2017 K2 for several years. But there has been a debate about how big the comet’s nucleus is. According to NASA solar system ambassadors Eddie Irrizarry and Kelly Kizer Whitt, it is estimated that the comet falls between a range of 11 and 100 miles (18 and 161 kilometres) wide. The size of the comet's tail, or coma, is also being debated by astronomers. The trail of dust and gases behind C/2017 K2 is estimated to be anywhere between 81,000 and 500,000 miles (130,000 and 800,000 kilometres) across. Also read | Mysterious US X-37B space plane eyes orbital record Moreover, the comet has been getting brighter as it continued to make its way toward the inner solar system. During its closest approach on July 14, the comet is expected to brighten to magnitude 8 or even 7, which, unfortunately, is still too dim for the unaided eye to see, according to EarthSky.org. Also read | China's new plan to find 'Earth 2.0 ET' K2 will remain in telescope view throughout the summer before heading off for its closest approach to the sun, which will occur on December 19. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Giant comet twice the size of Mt. Everest heading towards Earth. Here's how you can watch it

It has been a long-time ambition for scientists to know more about the cosmos and over the years, a lot of projects have been launched to study the celestial bodies with great precession. The European Space Agency (ESA) are all set to add another major chapter in that pursuit as they approved a new mission known as ‘Comet Inspector’. According to the ESA, it is stated for a 2028 launch with a new telescope – Ariel – which will be used to study exoplanets. Although there is no specific target for the project, the telescope will be stationed in order to keep an eye on any incoming comets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-solar-power-station-in-space-to-beam-electricity-to-earth-yes-its-possible-489325" hreflang="en">A solar power station in space to beam electricity to Earth? Yes, it's possible</a>

“We are taking a significant risk. But it’s a high reward,” Günther Hasinger, ESA’s director of science said in an official statement about the project that was first proposed back in 2019.

The ‘Comet Inspector’ will also help the ESA in identifying planets that can have an atmosphere that can support life. This will also help in warning the scientists about any comet or asteroid-like bodies that can be headed towards the earth. Earlier missions like the ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft have visited short-period comets but this will allow them to study it over a much longer period of time.

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“Comet Interceptor is going to give us a first real glimpse of a primordial body,” Alan Fitzsimmons, a comet researcher from Queen’s University Belfast, said according to a report on Natural journal.

“We have no idea what it will look like. That will truly be new, never-seen-before science,” he added.

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It has been a long-time ambition for scientists to know more about the cosmos and over the years, a lot of projects have been launched to study the celestial bodies with great precession.

It has been a long-time ambition for scientists to know more about the cosmos and over the years, a lot of projects have been launched to study the celestial bodies with great precession. The European Space Agency (ESA) are all set to add another major chapter in that pursuit as they approved a new mission known as ‘Comet Inspector’. According to the ESA, it is stated for a 2028 launch with a new telescope – Ariel – which will be used to study exoplanets. Although there is no specific target for the project, the telescope will be stationed in order to keep an eye on any incoming comets. Also read | A solar power station in space to beam electricity to Earth? Yes, it's possible “We are taking a significant risk. But it’s a high reward,” Günther Hasinger, ESA’s director of science said in an official statement about the project that was first proposed back in 2019. The ‘Comet Inspector’ will also help the ESA in identifying planets that can have an atmosphere that can support life. This will also help in warning the scientists about any comet or asteroid-like bodies that can be headed towards the earth. Earlier missions like the ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft have visited short-period comets but this will allow them to study it over a much longer period of time. Also read | Light at the end of tunnel: Scientists harness new therapy to kill cancer cells “Comet Interceptor is going to give us a first real glimpse of a primordial body,” Alan Fitzsimmons, a comet researcher from Queen’s University Belfast, said according to a report on Natural journal. “We have no idea what it will look like. That will truly be new, never-seen-before science,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Comet Inspector': ESA approves new mission to watch for an interstellar comet

Between the night of May 30 and the early morning of May 31, the sky&nbsp;would be lit-up with a brief, but, intense meteor display, thanks to a comet that split apart in 1995 and is apparently still fragmenting.

According to NASA, a new meteor shower— the Tau Herculids — might erupt, perhaps ranking with the best of the annual meteor displays in a week from now.&nbsp;

This meteor, Tau Herculids, is fragment of the parent comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 (SW3).

Two German astronomers— Arnold Schwassmann&nbsp;and&nbsp;Arno Arthur Wachmann&nbsp;of Hamburg Observatory—had found this comet in 1930. It orbits the sun every 5.4 years.

But being so faint, SW3 wasn’t seen again until the late 1970s, seeming pretty normal until 1995, when astronomers realised the comet had become about 600 times brighter and went from a faint smudge to being visible with the naked eye during its passage.

Upon further investigation, astronomers realised that SW3 had shattered into several pieces, littering its own orbital trail with debris.

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By the time it passed our way again in 2006, it was in nearly 70 pieces, and has continued to fragment further since then.

And the comet will be in our evening sky again in July and August 2022.

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Bill Cooke, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, said, “This is going to be an all or nothing event. If the debris from SW3 was traveling more than 220 miles per hour (354 kph) when it separated from the comet, we might see a nice meteor shower. If the debris had slower ejection speeds, then nothing will make it to Earth and there will be no meteors from this comet.”

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Between the night of May 30 and the early morning of May 31, the sky would be lit-up with a brief, but, intense meteor display, thanks to a comet that split apart in 1995 and is apparently still fragmenting.

Between the night of May 30 and the early morning of May 31, the sky would be lit-up with a brief, but, intense meteor display, thanks to a comet that split apart in 1995 and is apparently still fragmenting. According to NASA, a new meteor shower— the Tau Herculids — might erupt, perhaps ranking with the best of the annual meteor displays in a week from now. This meteor, Tau Herculids, is fragment of the parent comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 (SW3). Two German astronomers— Arnold Schwassmann and Arno Arthur Wachmann of Hamburg Observatory—had found this comet in 1930. It orbits the sun every 5.4 years. But being so faint, SW3 wasn’t seen again until the late 1970s, seeming pretty normal until 1995, when astronomers realised the comet had become about 600 times brighter and went from a faint smudge to being visible with the naked eye during its passage. Upon further investigation, astronomers realised that SW3 had shattered into several pieces, littering its own orbital trail with debris. Also read | Villagers spot giant ‘mouth to hell’ in Siberia, scientists alarmed at its growth By the time it passed our way again in 2006, it was in nearly 70 pieces, and has continued to fragment further since then. And the comet will be in our evening sky again in July and August 2022. Also read | Scientists discover new enzyme that can chomp off plastic in record 16 hours Bill Cooke, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, said, “This is going to be an all or nothing event. If the debris from SW3 was traveling more than 220 miles per hour (354 kph) when it separated from the comet, we might see a nice meteor shower. If the debris had slower ejection speeds, then nothing will make it to Earth and there will be no meteors from this comet.” Watch WION's live TV here

In a week, sky might be lit up with most powerful meteor shower in generations

We all know that a direct impact from an asteroid brought about end of dinosaurs who ruled the planet millions of years ago. Humanity, fortunately, has not suffered such a globe-spanning fate but if researchers are to be believed, we have already got a taste of what such an event can bring about.

This celestial event took place about 1500 years ago. It was not an asteroid but a comet that is being thought to have brought an end to a local culture in the eastern USA. The near-Earth comet literally sent debris towards Earth which caused widespread fires in area spanning 9200 square miles.

Researchers are studying reasons behind decline of Hopewell Cuture in eastern USA. Though war and climate factors have been considered as reasons, they think that blast from the near-Earth comet may have played a huge role.

Researchers found unusual amounts of Iridium and Platinum at 11 Hopewell archaeological sites. These elements are tell-tale signs of meteorite fragments. A charcoal layer in sediments of the ground indicates a period of intense heat.&nbsp;

The team of researchers comprising those from University of Cincinnati hypothesizes that the near-Earth comet may have sent the debris and may have caused a massive airburst that had profound effect on the existence of these tribes.

The hypothesis of a near-Earth comet is given strength by folk tales from that period that have been passed down orally to present day.

Tales in some tribes talk of a giant serpent slithering across the sky. A comet with a distinct tail may well have appeared as a serpent to members of the tribe who did not have a word for comet. Tales in few other tribes talk of a 'sky panther' having the power to tear down forests, probably a reference to widespread fires caused by the air blast.

Researchers maintain that more study was required to come to a definite conclusion but cultural and archaeological indications surely point towards a fascinating episode when humanity 'interacted' with the sky.

We all know that a direct impact from an asteroid brought about end of dinosaurs who ruled the planet millions of years ago. Humanity, fortunately, has not suffered such a globe-spanning fate but if researchers are to be believed, we have already got a taste of what such an event can bring about.

We all know that a direct impact from an asteroid brought about end of dinosaurs who ruled the planet millions of years ago. Humanity, fortunately, has not suffered such a globe-spanning fate but if researchers are to be believed, we have already got a taste of what such an event can bring about. This celestial event took place about 1500 years ago. It was not an asteroid but a comet that is being thought to have brought an end to a local culture in the eastern USA. The near-Earth comet literally sent debris towards Earth which caused widespread fires in area spanning 9200 square miles. Researchers are studying reasons behind decline of Hopewell Cuture in eastern USA. Though war and climate factors have been considered as reasons, they think that blast from the near-Earth comet may have played a huge role. Researchers found unusual amounts of Iridium and Platinum at 11 Hopewell archaeological sites. These elements are tell-tale signs of meteorite fragments. A charcoal layer in sediments of the ground indicates a period of intense heat. The team of researchers comprising those from University of Cincinnati hypothesizes that the near-Earth comet may have sent the debris and may have caused a massive airburst that had profound effect on the existence of these tribes. The hypothesis of a near-Earth comet is given strength by folk tales from that period that have been passed down orally to present day. Tales in some tribes talk of a giant serpent slithering across the sky. A comet with a distinct tail may well have appeared as a serpent to members of the tribe who did not have a word for comet. Tales in few other tribes talk of a 'sky panther' having the power to tear down forests, probably a reference to widespread fires caused by the air blast. Researchers maintain that more study was required to come to a definite conclusion but cultural and archaeological indications surely point towards a fascinating episode when humanity 'interacted' with the sky.

Blast from a near-Earth comet may literally have destroyed this culture

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds!

But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago.

We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community.

In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth.&nbsp;

The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice.

The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018.

It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree. But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds! But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago. We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community. In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth. The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice. The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018. It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses came from space? This study says so

The head of a comet often glows green; the tail mostly does not. That includes Comet Leonard, which made its closest pass to the sun on Monday and is heading away again.

A team of scientists have now come up with a detailed explanation for this multi-chromatic behavior. The molecule responsible for the emerald hue gets blown apart by sunlight within a couple of days of being created near the comet’s core, leaving almost nothing to glow green in the tail.

“We showed exactly how that happens in the lab by using UV lasers, measuring exactly how the molecule blows apart,” said Timothy W. Schmidt, a professor of chemistry at the University of New South Wales in Australia.

As a comet — a clump of ices and dust — approaches the sun, it heats up and its ices turn to gas, producing a fuzzy atmosphere known as the coma. The atmosphere includes carbon-based molecules that are in turn bombarded with ultraviolet light from the sun, breaking it apart and stripping off outer pieces. That generates a simple but fragile molecule known as dicarbon, or C₂ in chemical notation. It is two carbon atoms bonded together.

Scientists have known for the better part of a century that photons can knock dicarbon molecules into an excited state. Because of the quantum nature of the universe, an excited molecule reverts to its ground state by emitting a photon. For dicarbon, the photon is commonly one of green light. This explained the green color of comet comas. But the apparent dearth of dicarbon in the comet tails was something of a mystery.

So Schmidt re-created what is happening in their laboratory. To produce dicarbon, they started with molecules consisting of two carbon atoms and four chlorine atoms and used a laser to strip off the chlorines, leaving only dicarbon. Then they used another laser to break up the dicarbon, measuring exactly how much energy that required.

From that, they showed how the dicarbon molecules had to absorb two photons to be blown apart, and the lifetime of a dicarbon molecule bathed in sunlight is about 44 hours. In that time, the molecules might travel 80,000 miles or so — quite far. But comet tails can stretch millions of miles. Thus, there would be little or no dicarbon, and no green glow, there.

That largely fits with what has been observed in comets.

Schmidt’s team reported its findings last month in a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“What they’re doing is the ground work that is fundamental to explaining the observations,” said Anita Cochran, assistant director of the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory who was not involved with the research. “Understanding carbon in the universe is pretty important since it is such a common species.”

William Jackson, an emeritus professor of chemistry at the University of California, Davis, lauded the work but said there was likely more to the story. He noted that a photograph of a comet included in the paper shows not only a green coma but also a slight tinge of green in the tail.

“I think this is a great example of the importance of doing laboratory measurements and combining with astronomical observations, and trying to understand what you see,” Jackson said.

But the bombarding sunlight likely produces additional dicarbon in the comet tails and knocks the molecules into a variety of excited states. “It’s a little too simple to say that you don’t see C₂ in the tail,” Jackson said.

The head of a comet often glows green; the tail mostly does not. That includes Comet Leonard, which made its closest pass to the sun on Monday and is heading away again.

The head of a comet often glows green; the tail mostly does not. That includes Comet Leonard, which made its closest pass to the sun on Monday and is heading away again. A team of scientists have now come up with a detailed explanation for this multi-chromatic behavior. The molecule responsible for the emerald hue gets blown apart by sunlight within a couple of days of being created near the comet’s core, leaving almost nothing to glow green in the tail. “We showed exactly how that happens in the lab by using UV lasers, measuring exactly how the molecule blows apart,” said Timothy W. Schmidt, a professor of chemistry at the University of New South Wales in Australia. As a comet — a clump of ices and dust — approaches the sun, it heats up and its ices turn to gas, producing a fuzzy atmosphere known as the coma. The atmosphere includes carbon-based molecules that are in turn bombarded with ultraviolet light from the sun, breaking it apart and stripping off outer pieces. That generates a simple but fragile molecule known as dicarbon, or C₂ in chemical notation. It is two carbon atoms bonded together. Scientists have known for the better part of a century that photons can knock dicarbon molecules into an excited state. Because of the quantum nature of the universe, an excited molecule reverts to its ground state by emitting a photon. For dicarbon, the photon is commonly one of green light. This explained the green color of comet comas. But the apparent dearth of dicarbon in the comet tails was something of a mystery. So Schmidt re-created what is happening in their laboratory. To produce dicarbon, they started with molecules consisting of two carbon atoms and four chlorine atoms and used a laser to strip off the chlorines, leaving only dicarbon. Then they used another laser to break up the dicarbon, measuring exactly how much energy that required. From that, they showed how the dicarbon molecules had to absorb two photons to be blown apart, and the lifetime of a dicarbon molecule bathed in sunlight is about 44 hours. In that time, the molecules might travel 80,000 miles or so — quite far. But comet tails can stretch millions of miles. Thus, there would be little or no dicarbon, and no green glow, there. That largely fits with what has been observed in comets. Schmidt’s team reported its findings last month in a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “What they’re doing is the ground work that is fundamental to explaining the observations,” said Anita Cochran, assistant director of the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory who was not involved with the research. “Understanding carbon in the universe is pretty important since it is such a common species.” William Jackson, an emeritus professor of chemistry at the University of California, Davis, lauded the work but said there was likely more to the story. He noted that a photograph of a comet included in the paper shows not only a green coma but also a slight tinge of green in the tail. “I think this is a great example of the importance of doing laboratory measurements and combining with astronomical observations, and trying to understand what you see,” Jackson said. But the bombarding sunlight likely produces additional dicarbon in the comet tails and knocks the molecules into a variety of excited states. “It’s a little too simple to say that you don’t see C₂ in the tail,” Jackson said.

Why a comet's head is green, but its tail is not

Comet Leonard, the brightest comet in the year 2021 flew by Earth recently. Scientists obviously had their eyes and lenses at the celestial body but many amateur astronomers pointed their telescopes at it as well. Those who could spot it grabbed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the comet will next be seen after 35,000 years. That is if Sun doesn't decide to gobble it up this time.

Talking about the Sun, the Comet Leonard made a very close approach to one of our spacecrafts in the area. NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter spacecraft, like its name suggests, orbits the Sun and makes important observations about our only star.

Comet Leonard passed very close to the solar orbitter between December 17 and December 19.&nbsp;

Was there any damage to the orbitter? Thankfully not.

Was the operation of the orbitter hampered in any way? No.

Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager (SoloHI), the spacecraft captured images of the comet as it passed by. n

“When SoloHi recorded these images, the comet was approximately between the sun and the spacecraft, with its gas and dust tails pointing towards the spacecraft,” said the ESA in an official statement.

The spacecraft will continue to observe the comet till December 22. After that the comet will move out of its field of vision.

It is not exactly known what will happen of the comet as at its closest approach, it will be just 90 million miles away from the Sun. There is a chance that the icy comet will break-up due to the heat. Otherwise, Sun's gravity may fling it in space away from itself.

Comet Leonard, the brightest comet in the year 2021 flew by Earth recently. Scientists obviously had their eyes and lenses at the celestial body but many amateur astronomers pointed their telescopes at it as well.

Comet Leonard, the brightest comet in the year 2021 flew by Earth recently. Scientists obviously had their eyes and lenses at the celestial body but many amateur astronomers pointed their telescopes at it as well. Those who could spot it grabbed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the comet will next be seen after 35,000 years. That is if Sun doesn't decide to gobble it up this time. Talking about the Sun, the Comet Leonard made a very close approach to one of our spacecrafts in the area. NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter spacecraft, like its name suggests, orbits the Sun and makes important observations about our only star. Comet Leonard passed very close to the solar orbitter between December 17 and December 19. Was there any damage to the orbitter? Thankfully not. Was the operation of the orbitter hampered in any way? No. Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager (SoloHI), the spacecraft captured images of the comet as it passed by. n “When SoloHi recorded these images, the comet was approximately between the sun and the spacecraft, with its gas and dust tails pointing towards the spacecraft,” said the ESA in an official statement. The spacecraft will continue to observe the comet till December 22. After that the comet will move out of its field of vision. It is not exactly known what will happen of the comet as at its closest approach, it will be just 90 million miles away from the Sun. There is a chance that the icy comet will break-up due to the heat. Otherwise, Sun's gravity may fling it in space away from itself.

Comet Leonard had a close shave with a spacecraft near Sun, check what happened

Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits.

When these icy bodies come relatively close to the Sun, the melting ice and other substances make what is known as the tail of a comet. And when they zoom past Earth, sometimes the comets are visible with naked eye.

Comet Leonard is slated to make its closest approach to Earth on December 12. It will be the brightest comet of 2021. The comet was discovered by Gregory J Leonard earlier this year.

You may want to catch a glimpse of Comet Leonard now because when it'll come to our neighbourhood again, it will be too late for all of us. If you miss it this time, you'll have to wait 35,000 years to see it again.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/star-system-with-planet-10-times-bigger-than-jupiter-is-disproving-assumptions-435522">Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions</a>

It is expected that the comet would be visible to the naked eye, but it is advisable to use binoculars or telescope in order to fully appreciate the space spectacle.

When is the best time to watch Comet Leonard?

The comet will make its closest approach on December 12. The best time to spot it will be a few hours before dawn.&nbsp;

Where to look in the sky to spot Comet Leonard?

The comet would be visible in east-northeast part of the sky in the first weeks of December. It will pass between Arcturus, the brightest star of the Bootes constellation and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism.

After December 14, the comet can be seen in the evening sky after sunset. Astronomers say that comet Leonard will be visible till December 17.

Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits.

Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits. When these icy bodies come relatively close to the Sun, the melting ice and other substances make what is known as the tail of a comet. And when they zoom past Earth, sometimes the comets are visible with naked eye. Comet Leonard is slated to make its closest approach to Earth on December 12. It will be the brightest comet of 2021. The comet was discovered by Gregory J Leonard earlier this year. You may want to catch a glimpse of Comet Leonard now because when it'll come to our neighbourhood again, it will be too late for all of us. If you miss it this time, you'll have to wait 35,000 years to see it again. Also Read | Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions It is expected that the comet would be visible to the naked eye, but it is advisable to use binoculars or telescope in order to fully appreciate the space spectacle. When is the best time to watch Comet Leonard? The comet will make its closest approach on December 12. The best time to spot it will be a few hours before dawn. Where to look in the sky to spot Comet Leonard? The comet would be visible in east-northeast part of the sky in the first weeks of December. It will pass between Arcturus, the brightest star of the Bootes constellation and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism. After December 14, the comet can be seen in the evening sky after sunset. Astronomers say that comet Leonard will be visible till December 17.

Leonard: Brightest comet of 2021 to make closest approach in few days | How to watch

Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail. As the comet approached Jupiter, it broke apart and created several bright flashes that were observed by telescopes on Earth and in space.

A similar event has grabbed headlines now. This time the object that hit Jupiter may not be as spectacular as a comet but has generated interest in scientific community nonetheless.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-deflecting-nasa-spacecraft-begins-final-preparations-422759">Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations</a>

On October 15, a flash in Jupiter's atmosphere attracted attention of skywatchers in Japan. A Twitter user who photographed the event told news websites that the flash appeared to last long.

The flash was also observed by team of astronomers at Japan's Kyoto University. A space rock had collided with the gas giant.

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According to Sky &amp; Telescope, the space rock hit Jupiter's northern hemisphere.

Space rocks, asteroids and even comets are attracted to Jupiter due to the planet's enormous gravity. The biggest planet in our solar system has a monstrous pull on objects venturing too close to it. The planet is jokingly called a 'vacuum cleaner' of the solar system but in all seriousness, Jupiter may have been the reason we are alive today because of it eating up a rogue asteroid heading our way in all these years.

Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail.

Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail. As the comet approached Jupiter, it broke apart and created several bright flashes that were observed by telescopes on Earth and in space. A similar event has grabbed headlines now. This time the object that hit Jupiter may not be as spectacular as a comet but has generated interest in scientific community nonetheless. Also Read | Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations On October 15, a flash in Jupiter's atmosphere attracted attention of skywatchers in Japan. A Twitter user who photographed the event told news websites that the flash appeared to last long. The flash was also observed by team of astronomers at Japan's Kyoto University. A space rock had collided with the gas giant. Also Read | China plans to extract oxygen from Moon's surface: Report According to Sky & Telescope, the space rock hit Jupiter's northern hemisphere. Space rocks, asteroids and even comets are attracted to Jupiter due to the planet's enormous gravity. The biggest planet in our solar system has a monstrous pull on objects venturing too close to it. The planet is jokingly called a 'vacuum cleaner' of the solar system but in all seriousness, Jupiter may have been the reason we are alive today because of it eating up a rogue asteroid heading our way in all these years.

Jupiter collides with a space rock, collision causes flash in its atmosphere

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space

A comet comes from outer space. They are icy. As they approach the Sun, the heat begins to melt the ice and the 'outgassing' as it is called, forms the 'tail' of the comet that we see when it passes by Earth.

Asteroids on the other hand are generally located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These space rocks do not have a spectacular look like comets but the fate of dinosaurs makes us keep a close watch on them. Asteroids are very much part of the solar system and have orbits around the Sun that are somewhat similar to those of the planets.

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A newly discovered space rock seems to be a hybrid of both classes. It has been named (248370) 2005 QN173

There is nothing special about its location. It hangs out in the asteroid belt like a million others and peacefully revolves around the Sun.

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But in July this year, the asteroid was seen to show signs of outgassing just like a comet. The outgassing was seen when the asteroid was relatively closer to the Sun in his orbit. So it has characteristics of an asteroid as well as a comet

Such space objects are called active asteroids or main-belt comets. These are very rare. Only 7 have been confirmed to be main-belt comet so far.

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space A comet comes from outer space.

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space A comet comes from outer space. They are icy. As they approach the Sun, the heat begins to melt the ice and the 'outgassing' as it is called, forms the 'tail' of the comet that we see when it passes by Earth. Asteroids on the other hand are generally located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These space rocks do not have a spectacular look like comets but the fate of dinosaurs makes us keep a close watch on them. Asteroids are very much part of the solar system and have orbits around the Sun that are somewhat similar to those of the planets. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' A newly discovered space rock seems to be a hybrid of both classes. It has been named (248370) 2005 QN173 There is nothing special about its location. It hangs out in the asteroid belt like a million others and peacefully revolves around the Sun. Also Read | 'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre But in July this year, the asteroid was seen to show signs of outgassing just like a comet. The outgassing was seen when the asteroid was relatively closer to the Sun in his orbit. So it has characteristics of an asteroid as well as a comet Such space objects are called active asteroids or main-belt comets. These are very rare. Only 7 have been confirmed to be main-belt comet so far.

An asteroid or comet? This space rock is a combination of both

comet

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