Giant Comet From the Oort Cloud Will Pass by the Sun in 2031
by Theresa Machemer/Smithsonianmag.com
Amateur astronomers, mark your calendars: one of the largest comets ever documented is going to make its closest pass to the Sun in 2031.
The International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center announced new details about the object, including its name, 2014 UN271, on June 19, George Dvorsky reports for Gizmodo. 2014 UN271 is between 62 and 230 miles wide—unusually large for a comet—and it is currently careening through the solar system, traversing about the distance between the Earth and the Sun each year. And at its closest point, 2014 UN271 will be about ten times farther from the Sun than Earth, Michael Irving reports for New Atlas.
2014 UN271 may develop the recognizable coma and tail of a comet as it gets closer. Observations of the object could help astronomers better understand a mysterious region called the Oort Cloud that surrounds our solar system.
Queens University planetary scientist Meg Schwamb tells Gizmodo that she is looking forward to “fireworks” as 2014 UN271 gets closer, especially if it begins to break into pieces. The object’s visit to the inner solar system may also be the birth of a long-period comet. But astronomers will have to wait and see what happens.
Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.
She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.
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