Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
written by a professional astronomer.
2024 April 8
A sequence of eight images of Comet Pons-Brooks, from top to bottom,
showing the comet and its changing tail over 9 days. The ion tail looks
very different in each of the images, sometimes being much more complex
than other times. Please see the explanation for more detailed
information.
The Changing Ion Tail of Comet Pons-Brooks
Image Credit & Copyright: Shengyu Li & Shaining
Explanation: How does a comet tail change? It depends on the comet. The
ion tail of Comet 12P/PonsC╟⌠Brooks has been changing markedly, as
detailed in the featured image sequenced over nine days from March 6 to
14 (top to bottom). On some days, the comet's ion tail was relatively
long and complex, but not every day. Reasons for tail changes include
the rate of ejection of material from the comet's nucleus, the strength
and complexity of the passing solar wind, and the rotation rate of the
comet. Over the course of a week, apparent changes even include a
change of perspective from the Earth. In general, a comet's ion tail
will point away from the Sun, as gas expelled is pushed out by the
Sun's wind. Today, Pons-Brooks may become a rare comet suddenly visible
in the middle of the day for those able to see the Sun totally eclipsed
by the Moon.
NASA Coverage: Today's Total Solar Eclipse
Total Eclipse Imagery: Notable Submissions to APOD Tomorrow's picture:
yesterday's eclipse
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Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
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A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
NASA Science Activation
& Michigan Tech. U.
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