The collision between Earth & comet Swift-Tuttle
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The collision between Earth & comet Swift-Tuttle
Earth catastrophe. Artwork representing the collision between the comet Swift-Tuttle and the Earth which, according to some astronomers, could take place in August 2126. The comet, the debris of which causes the Perseid meteor shower, was first discovered in 1862. The first calculations indicated a period of about 120 years. In the 1970s the astronomer B. Marsden recalculated the orbit considering the perturbations caused by the " rocket effect" of gas evaporating from the comet. He proposed a new period of 130 years and predicted (rightly) its next appearance in 1992. The hypothesis of the collision is to be tested against more data on the comets trajectory
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Media ID 6445767
© JULIAN BAUM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Collision Comet Cometary Comets Cosmology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork captures the potential collision between Earth and comet Swift-Tuttle, a cataclysmic event that some astronomers believe could occur in August 2126. The comet, known for producing the mesmerizing Perseid meteor shower, was initially discovered back in 1862. Early calculations suggested a periodicity of approximately 120 years. However, in the 1970s, renowned astronomer B. Marsden recalculated its orbit by considering the "rocket effect" caused by gas evaporating from the comet. His revised calculations proposed a new period of 130 years and accurately predicted its next appearance in 1992. The hypothesis of this impending collision is still under scrutiny as scientists gather more data on the trajectory of comets like Swift-Tuttle. This thought-provoking image serves as both an artistic representation and a reminder of our ongoing quest to understand celestial phenomena. Through this stunning visual composition brought to us by Science Photo Library, we are transported into the realm of science and astronomy where cosmic collisions shape our universe's destiny. It sparks curiosity about our place within this vast cosmos while highlighting humanity's continuous efforts to unravel its mysteries.
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