When a comet nears the sun the ice sublimates and dust particles are released to form one of the tails. Does this mean they get smaller each time this happens?
2007-01-17 12:06:57 · 7 answers · asked by q 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yes, and they leave a trail of debris, giving us some of out meteor showers. The debris is spread around the comets orbit, but gradually spreads out over time. If Earth passes through, you get a good display.
Read books by Clube and Napier. There is a big debris trail out there called the Taurid Stream. Occasionally the Earth runs into it, and there are some "nasties" in there.
2007-01-17 12:13:58 · answer #1 · answered by nick s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, periodic comets may eventually lose all their volatiles and become plain asteroids. They can also break apart, sometimes leaving one or more smaller comets, and sometimes breaking up into dust.
2007-01-17 12:15:11 · answer #2 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep. Every time it goes around it will get just a little smaller, but it always gathers up enough dust to make up for the little bit that it lost.
2007-01-17 13:04:47 · answer #3 · answered by Andrea luvs u...maybe...lol 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes in order to give off dust and other material they logically have to get smaller. It means that they will eventually dissapear
2007-01-17 12:16:26 · answer #4 · answered by startrektosnewenterpriselovethem 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you're absolutely correct! Eventually, if the comet ever had one, nothing will be left of it but a small rocky core.
2007-01-17 12:10:38 · answer #5 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2007-01-17 12:09:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-01-17 12:10:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋