The 365 Days of Astronomy Guide to Space - It Came From Deep Space!
Jul 9, 2025
Fraser Cain, the founder of Universe Today and a prominent voice in space journalism, dives into the fascinating world of comets. He explains the difference between short and long-period comets and their historical significance. The discussion includes the remarkable discovery of Comet C-2017 K2, which is visiting our solar system for the first time in billions of years. Fraser also delves into the vital role of nearby stars, like Goliath 710, in influencing the Oort Cloud and how these interactions may shape our understanding of comet impacts and historical extinction events.
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Fraser's Comet Wish
- Fraser Cain has witnessed auroras, solar eclipses, and rocket launches but hasn't seen a bright comet recently.
- He humorously hopes recording this episode will summon a spectacular comet soon.
Comets as Solar Time Capsules
- Comets are ancient remnants of the solar system's birth, made of gas, dust, rock, and organics.
- Gravitational interactions can alter their orbits, sending them close to the sun where they form tails.
Kuiper Belt Fuels Short Comets
- The Kuiper Belt, beyond Pluto, contains millions of objects that occasionally get knocked inward.
- These short-period comets orbit the sun regularly, allowing astronomers to predict their returns.