Kamis, 15 Desember 2011
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A comet the size of the Bung Karno going to hit the Sun, Friday (12/16/2011) tomorrow morning. Comets are named Lovejoy or in astronomy also known as C/2011 W3.
Lovejoy said to be crashing because passing in very close proximity to the Sun, only 131,000 kilometers. At these distances, Lovejoy actually had entered the atmosphere of the Sun.
What is the result of the collision? Will we lose the sun is the source of life? Not really. Lovejoy is too small to kill the Sun. Indeed, Lovejoy was the one who will die in the crash.
How can it be? Solar heat will melt all the ice in comets and other materials are frozen. Differences sun exposure in one place and another cause non-uniform expansion. Comets will crack and disappear quickly tomorrow.
Space.com site in publications, on Wednesday (14.12.2011), states, collisions between Lovejoy and the Sun will occur approximately at 07.00 on Friday.
Sudibyo Ma'rufin astronomers say, the comet will be more active when entering the area near the Sun. Ice and other frozen compounds contained in the comet will evaporate to form gases.
The gas formed will flow out to form the comet tail and the atmosphere. Bursts of gas will bring comet dust and clay, forming atmospheres and comet tails.
When approaching the Sun, Lovejoy will experience the same thing. When in the atmosphere, comets reflect sunlight, so that's where the beauty can be witnessed.
"In fact, the predictions show the comet has the potential to become the brightest comet in 2011, which match the brilliance of Venus at twilight or dawn, or more," said Ma'rufin on his Facebook account.
"In fact, do not close the possibility of this comet will be bright as the full moon so that at its peak, this comet has the potential to become the brightest celestial bodies relative to the second in the solar system after the Sun," he continued.
Although bright, the observation of this comet would not be easy to do. Firstly because of obstruction of sunlight that is not less bright. Second, it takes special equipment to see clearly without damaging views.
Observations with binoculars possible to see how this comet crashing into the Sun. However, if the use is not careful will be harmful to the eyes. It is advisable to observe with an already experienced.
"Most secure in a situation like this, yes, blokirlah position of the Sun with a specific cover, then observe with unaided eye," explained Ma'rufin.
The most simple and harmless is observed via the Internet. This method is unsatisfactory because currently there are satellites monitoring the Sun, for example, Soho (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory).
To do so, can open a page on Soho on NASA's website. Comets have appeared since December 14, 2011 at 15:30.
Comet Lovejoy is discovered astronomers from Australia, Terry Lovejoy, on 27 November 2011. Age comet is calculated from the date of discovery until the date of death is very short, just 20 days.
Lovejoy is unique because its orbit is extremely elongated. As a result, different from the closest point and furthest to the Sun so far. The closest point is 0.83 million km, the farthest point 16.500 km, three times farther than the distance of the Sun-Pluto.
Another uniqueness, the composition of comet-like pumice, including dust, ice, clay, and volatile compounds, such as CO2, methane, and ammonia. "If the city put it in the ocean comet Lovejoy carefully, he would float!"
Lovejoy collision with the Sun would have a big impact for both the Sun and Earth. Lovejoy size is too small to have a big impact Sun.
However, if the presumed Lovejoy mashing Earth, major damage will occur. The disaster that destroyed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago could be repeated, crushing majority of living things that exist.
Comet collision with the Sun is not an unusual event, but quite rare. This event is highly anticipated not only by an amateur, but also a professional astronomer.
Lovejoy said to be crashing because passing in very close proximity to the Sun, only 131,000 kilometers. At these distances, Lovejoy actually had entered the atmosphere of the Sun.
What is the result of the collision? Will we lose the sun is the source of life? Not really. Lovejoy is too small to kill the Sun. Indeed, Lovejoy was the one who will die in the crash.
How can it be? Solar heat will melt all the ice in comets and other materials are frozen. Differences sun exposure in one place and another cause non-uniform expansion. Comets will crack and disappear quickly tomorrow.
Space.com site in publications, on Wednesday (14.12.2011), states, collisions between Lovejoy and the Sun will occur approximately at 07.00 on Friday.
Sudibyo Ma'rufin astronomers say, the comet will be more active when entering the area near the Sun. Ice and other frozen compounds contained in the comet will evaporate to form gases.
The gas formed will flow out to form the comet tail and the atmosphere. Bursts of gas will bring comet dust and clay, forming atmospheres and comet tails.
When approaching the Sun, Lovejoy will experience the same thing. When in the atmosphere, comets reflect sunlight, so that's where the beauty can be witnessed.
"In fact, the predictions show the comet has the potential to become the brightest comet in 2011, which match the brilliance of Venus at twilight or dawn, or more," said Ma'rufin on his Facebook account.
"In fact, do not close the possibility of this comet will be bright as the full moon so that at its peak, this comet has the potential to become the brightest celestial bodies relative to the second in the solar system after the Sun," he continued.
Although bright, the observation of this comet would not be easy to do. Firstly because of obstruction of sunlight that is not less bright. Second, it takes special equipment to see clearly without damaging views.
Observations with binoculars possible to see how this comet crashing into the Sun. However, if the use is not careful will be harmful to the eyes. It is advisable to observe with an already experienced.
"Most secure in a situation like this, yes, blokirlah position of the Sun with a specific cover, then observe with unaided eye," explained Ma'rufin.
The most simple and harmless is observed via the Internet. This method is unsatisfactory because currently there are satellites monitoring the Sun, for example, Soho (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory).
To do so, can open a page on Soho on NASA's website. Comets have appeared since December 14, 2011 at 15:30.
Comet Lovejoy is discovered astronomers from Australia, Terry Lovejoy, on 27 November 2011. Age comet is calculated from the date of discovery until the date of death is very short, just 20 days.
Lovejoy is unique because its orbit is extremely elongated. As a result, different from the closest point and furthest to the Sun so far. The closest point is 0.83 million km, the farthest point 16.500 km, three times farther than the distance of the Sun-Pluto.
Another uniqueness, the composition of comet-like pumice, including dust, ice, clay, and volatile compounds, such as CO2, methane, and ammonia. "If the city put it in the ocean comet Lovejoy carefully, he would float!"
Lovejoy collision with the Sun would have a big impact for both the Sun and Earth. Lovejoy size is too small to have a big impact Sun.
However, if the presumed Lovejoy mashing Earth, major damage will occur. The disaster that destroyed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago could be repeated, crushing majority of living things that exist.
Comet collision with the Sun is not an unusual event, but quite rare. This event is highly anticipated not only by an amateur, but also a professional astronomer.
