Ice and Fire in the Sky: Cryovolcanic Eruption of the 129/Pons-Brooks Comet
The new comet, 129/Pons-Brooks, is set to put on a spectacular show with its unusual 'horned' shape due to a rare cryomagma eruption.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
Its nucleus houses a unique accumulation of gas and ice, leading to cryovolcanic activity, a barely understood extraterrestrial phenomenon.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
This resulted in a cryomagma eruption, expelling an impressive 22 billion pounds of dust and ice into space.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
A burst of light this month dramatically amplified the comet's brightness and highlighted its peculiar shape.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
The comet's horned look is transient and will fade as the cryovolcanic debris disperses and ceases to reflect sunlight.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
Cryovolcanoes, mainly seen on other planets and icy moons, remain a scientific mystery.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
The unusual features and activity of the 129/Pons-Brooks comet have excited the global scientific community.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
Comet 29P's substantial eruption in December 2022, releasing 1 million tons of cryomagma, set the stage for 129/Pons-Brooks.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
As 129/Pons-Brooks journeys on, its unpredictability promises numerous opportunities for further cryovolcanism research.
Photo Source- GOOGLE
MORE STORIES