Scientists already predicted : ISON comet would be visible to the naked eye in late November , even though the point of closest approach to Earth would not occur until December. However, a burst of activity has advanced since then and can be observed by increasing brightness. Comets are frozen solid small that change with temperature increases as it approaches the Sun Basically , when heated evaporate ( sublimate ) dragging small dust grains which , when released reflect light and give rise to the comma ( diffuse spot enveloping the core center ) and typical queues. Normally they are very stable as far as visibility is concerned, but sometimes , as happened in this case , suddenly increases its brightness to the point directly visible sooner than expected . One possible explanation for the outbreak is that the axis of rotation has been quite aligned with the Sun - comet direction , so that only one hemisphere of the comet nucleus has undergone radiation and may have fresh ice ( in the other hemisphere ) than just sunlight received so far. According ISON gets closer to the sun will also change the position of the subsolar point on the comet and , therefore , there will be parties before the shadow that suddenly receive radiation and can sublimate explains José Luis Ortiz , a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia . And in the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia , belonging to the CSIC , are participating in various observational campaigns prepared to study before and after passage through the perihelion , the closest approach to the Sun This analysis will allow them to know their characteristics and activity before it reaches the point of closest approach to our planet. To observe the researchers used the IRAM 30-meter telescope . ISON , special comet The so-called comet of the century is not a common object . Discovered on September 21, 2012 by a group of Russian astronomers , this is a comet coming from the Oort cloud , a bubble surrounding the solar system . This cloud is thought to be formed by the remnants of the nebula that gave rise to the Sun and the planets about 4,600 million years . The comet will pass , according to scientific estimates , only about 1.8 million miles from the Sun ( 2.7 solar radii ) on 28 November. This closeness will make you reach temperatures of about 5,000 ° C, which is likely to produce the sublimation of ice , silicates and even metals. This sublimation will direct visual effect as brightness, although it can occur that ends fragmenting and disappearing or vaporizing .
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 18:42:14 +0000
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