Comet Facts, Myths And Legend

The word "comet" comes from the Greek word for "hair" because comets have long, flowing tails that resemble hair. This term was coined by the ancient Greeks who observed these celestial objects and noticed their hair-like appearance.

Tycho Brahe was a Danish astronomer known for his accurate and detailed observations of the celestial bodies. His observations of comets provided evidence that they traveled beyond the moon, challenging the prevailing belief at the time that comets were atmospheric phenomena. Therefore, the mention of Tycho Brahe in the context of comets traveling far beyond the moon supports the statement that "The 'Hair' Out There" showed that comets actually traveled far beyond the moon.

Wow! Did you realize that astronomy uses a lot of math?

People thought comets were "power rays" of supernatural beings. Comets were often seen as mysterious and awe-inspiring celestial objects in ancient times. Their appearance, with their long tails, was often associated with supernatural or divine powers. Many cultures believed that comets were signs or messages from the gods or other supernatural beings. Therefore, people considered comets to be "power rays" emitted by these higher beings, further adding to their mystical reputation.

Unbelievable! That sounds kind of harsh.

When science advances, we understand. Comet's tails are made of water vapor.

Comets were not universally seen as bad luck; in fact, some people believed that they brought good luck. This suggests that there were differing beliefs and interpretations about the nature and effects of comets. While some may have associated comets with negative events, others saw them as a positive omen or a sign of good fortune. The word "luck" in the answer reinforces this idea and completes the sentence appropriately.

The Chinese recorded visits by Halley's comet as far back as 240 B.C. This suggests that the comet has been observed and documented for a very long time in Chinese history.

The correct answer is "Halley's". The question is asking for the correct spelling of the comet that is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry. The comet referred to in the tapestry is Halley's Comet, which is a well-known comet that appears in Earth's skies approximately every 76 years.

Edmund Halley developed a theory that comets reappear and predicted the comet's next appearance.

Halley's comet is a famous periodic comet that orbits the sun and reappears in the Earth's sky approximately every 76 years. This means that after every 76 years, the comet completes its orbit and returns to a point where it becomes visible from Earth again. The statement "Its next appearance is in 2061" confirms this periodicity, indicating that the comet will be visible again in 2061, which is 76 years after its last appearance.

When a comet crosses Earth's path, meteor showers occur as the debris from the comet strikes the Earth's atmosphere.

The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year between August 9 and 13 when the Earth passes through the orbit of the Swift-Tuttle comet.

Comets are brightest when they are near the Sun because the Sun's heat causes the comet's icy nucleus to vaporize and release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and tail. As the comet gets closer to the Sun, the intensity of solar radiation increases, resulting in a more pronounced and brighter display. The Sun's proximity is crucial for the comet's visibility and the spectacular appearance it exhibits.

The statement mentions that 65 million years ago, a certain percentage of all species disappeared within a short time. The answer provided, 70% or 70, indicates that 70 percent of all species then living on Earth disappeared during that period.

The correct answer is Mexico because the question states that there is a 65-million-year-old crater off the coast of a place in the Yucatan Peninsula. Since Mexico is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is the most logical choice for the answer.

The Hale Bopp comet is a large comet that measures 25 miles across. It was visible with the naked eye for 19 months.

I hope I can remember to watch the meteor shower.

You can be an astronomer, too.

Comet Hyakutake's orbit has been calculated by astronomers, leading them to believe that it was present on Earth approximately 8000 or 8,000 years ago.

Halley is the most famous comet in history. It is widely known for its periodic appearance in Earth's sky every 76 years. Named after the astronomer Edmond Halley, who predicted its return, Halley's Comet has been observed and documented for centuries. Its distinct and recognizable appearance, along with its predictable orbit, has made it a subject of fascination and study. The comet has been mentioned in historical records, literature, and popular culture, solidifying its status as the most famous comet in history.

When Halley's comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice in its nucleus to vaporize, releasing gas and dust particles. This process, known as sublimation, causes the comet to shed about 6 meters of ice and rock into space. This debris forms a trail along the comet's orbit, and when the Earth passes through this trail, the particles enter our atmosphere and burn up, creating a meteor shower known as the Orionids.

Between July 16 and July 22, 1994, more than 20 fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with the planet Jupiter. This event was significant because it was the first observed collision between two solar system objects. The impacts created large fireballs and released enormous amounts of energy, leaving dark scars on Jupiter's atmosphere that lasted for weeks. The collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter provided valuable insights into the dynamics of our solar system and the potential impact hazards that exist in space.

The impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter in 1994 was significant because it was the first time in history that the collision of two Solar System bodies was observed and documented. This event provided scientists with valuable data and insights into the dynamics of celestial bodies and their interactions.

The answer is "NO" because the question asks if it is likely for an asteroid or comet to hit the Earth in the next few 100 years. The word "likely" implies a probability or chance, and based on current scientific knowledge and observations, the likelihood of such an event occurring in the next few 100 years is low. While it is possible for asteroids or comets to collide with Earth, the probability of it happening within a specific time frame is considered to be very low.