Studying the dusty tail of a comet - Earth.com

Studying the dusty tail of a comet

11-06-2018


Today’s Video of the Day from NASA Goddard explores how dust behaves in the tail of a comet, which could also provide insight into how planets are formed

Satellite images captured by the STEREO spacecraft have allowed experts to study Comet McNaught, which was one of the most visible comets from Earth in the last five decades.

Throughout January 2007, the comet spanned the sky of the Southern Hemisphere, shining so bright that it could even be seen during the day.

A new image processing technique will help scientists to gain a better understanding of how the dusty tail of McNaught and other comets changes over time.

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

Video Credit: NASA Goddard

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