Bright green Comet SWAN falls apart after once-in-a-lifetime appearance in our night sky
Comet SWAN (C/2025 F2) was discovered in March with the Solar Wind Anisotropies (SWAN) instrument on Nasa's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft, hence why SWAN is in the comet's name.
Since its discovery, hundreds of observations of the comet have been logged into the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center from observatories around the world.
Why The Closest Supermoon Of The Year Will Be Invisible To Earth
Comet SWAN was set to reach perihelion, the closest distance to the Sun, around May 1, raising hopes the possibility of unaided-eye viewing could be on the table later this month.
But recent observations show the comet didn't make it past the final approach.
"It looks like there's not much left of it, and it seems to be just clouded dust at this point that's gradually getting more diffuse and flying apart," said Dr. Qicheng Zhang, a post-doctoral astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Arizona.
Zhang studies comets that get very close to the Sun, known as sun-grazers, such as Comet C/2024 G3 ATLA's approach in January.
Comet SWAN was a smaller comet and Zhang said this is likely the factor that led to its early end.
See It: Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks In Dazzling Worldwide Display
"The thing with small comets is that they tend to get spun up really easily by just random variations in their outgassing," he said. "When the ice on them starts to sublimate and create gas. It tends to not come out perfectly symmetrically. And that asymmetry starts to like, torque the thing and just spin it up."
As a comet spins up, it starts to fall apart, which is likely what is happening to Comet SWAN now before it ceases to be an active comet.
Comet SWAN has been observed by professional and amateur astronomers worldwide with its notable green coloring. Zhang said this coloring is likely from diatomic carbon.
"Comets have a lot of organic material. When you toss it out into space, you get UV rays from the Sun that hit those complicated organic molecules, which happen to contain a lot of carbon. And when they get broken down, you'll get pieces that contain essentially just two carbon atoms stuck together. And that's essentially just the green that we see in these comets," Zhang said.
The comet's orbital period is 1.4 million years, so even if it survived perihelion, it would be the last chance to see it in our lifetime.
So long, Comet SWAN.Original article source: Bright green Comet SWAN falls apart after once-in-a-lifetime appearance in our night sky
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Scientists may have solved a chemistry mystery about Jupiter's ocean moon Europa
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A long-standing mystery about the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on Jupiter's icy ocean moon Europa may be closer to being solved. Hydrogen peroxide forms as a byproduct when energetic particles break apart water molecules, leading to the recombination of OH radicals — highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. H2O2 was first observed on Europa by the Galileo Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer, a scientific instrument aboard NASA's Galileo Jupiter orbiter that was designed to study the composition and surface features of the gas giant's moons and atmosphere using infrared light. Later, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) noticed elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide in unexpected areas on the Jovian satellite. Lab studies predicted that higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide would be found in Europa's colder polar regions — but JWST observations showed the opposite, detecting higher levels in the moon's warmer equatorial regions. These areas, known as chaos terrains, are marked by broken blocks of surface ice that appear to have shifted, drifted and refrozen. "Europa's peroxide distribution does not follow the temperature dependence predicted for pure water ice," wrote the team in their paper. Lab studies consistently show that colder ice has more H2O2, while warmer ice has less. In a new study, scientists report that they have noticed higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the chaos terrains alongside elevated levels of H2O2. This is probably the result of CO2 escaping Europa's subsurface ocean through cracks in the ice, the researchers say. The team therefore wondered if the presence of CO2 might be changing the ice's chemistry. "Could the presence of CO2 drive the enhanced peroxide production in Europa's chaos regions, signaling a surface composition more conducive to the formation of this radiolytic oxidant?" they wrote in their paper. "Supporting this hypothesis are preliminary experiments on irradiated H2O-CO2 ice mixtures that show increased H2O2 yields compared to pure water ice." To find a definitive answer, they "simulated the surface environment of Europa inside a vacuum chamber by depositing water ice mixed with CO2," Bereket Mamo, a graduate student at The University of Texas at San Antonio and a contractor with the Southwest Research Institute, said in a statement. "We then irradiated this ice mixture with energetic electrons to see how the peroxide production changed." The experiment confirmed what the team had suspected: Even small amounts of CO2 in water ice can greatly boost hydrogen peroxide production at temperatures similar to those on Europa's surface, helping to explain the unexpected JWST observations. This occurs because CO2 molecules behave as "molecular scavengers," grabbing hold of any stray electrons produced when radiation hits the water ice. By capturing these electrons, the CO2 helps protect hydrogen peroxide from being broken apart by further impacts or reactions. Related Stories: — Europa: A guide to Jupiter's icy ocean moon — 'Chaos' reigns beneath the ice of Jupiter moon Europa, James Webb Space Telescope reveals — Europa Clipper: A complete guide to NASA's astrobiology mission "Synthesis of oxidants like hydrogen peroxide on Europa's surface is important from an astrobiological point of view," said study co-author Richard Cartwright, from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. "In fact, an entire NASA mission, the Europa Clipper, is en route to the Jovian system right now to explore the icy moon and help us understand Europa's habitability. "Our experiments provide clues to better understand JWST Europa observations and serve as a prelude to upcoming close-range investigations by Europa Clipper and ESA's [the European Space Agency] JUICE spacecraft," Cartwright added. The new study was published in the Planetary Science Journal on Monday (July 21). Solve the daily Crossword
Digital Trends
3 hours ago
- Digital Trends
Scientists figure out the flaw behind stuck rovers using free software
Space operations are extremely sophisticated and expensive undertakings. There are so many things that can go wrong, especially when it comes to on-ground missions on extra-terrestrial bodies such as the Moon and nearby planets, conducted through remotely-operated robots and vehicles. An event as minor as a rover getting stuck can dramatically impact the mission objective or even abandonment. In 2005, the wheels of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity were stuck in sand, and it took six weeks of inch-by-inch maneuvering by experts at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to free it. Just a few weeks ago, the Perseverance rover also struggled with a stuck drill bit, but the situation was fortunately resolved. But not every story has a happy ending. In 2009, the Spirit rover found itself on a slope in a rather peculiar situation, and could never be recovered. With the Martian winter further complicating the rescue efforts, the Spirit mission was officially abandoned two years later. Such accidents could soon become a thing of the past. A major breakthrough Engineers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have spotted a flaw in the testing protocols of these rovers on Earth, which often gives an overly optimistic view of their exploration capabilities. Rovers are often tested in desert-like areas, which simulate the dry conditions on the Moon and Mars, accounting for the reduced gravity on these bodies. Recommended Videos But as per the research team at UW-Madison, the tests often ignore the impact of gravity exerted on the sand particles, which means the simulation tests are not nearly as accurate (read: realistic) as they should be. 'An important element in preparing for these missions is an accurate understanding of how a rover will traverse extraterrestrial surfaces in low gravity to prevent it from getting stuck in soft terrain or rocky areas,' the team explains. Notably, it's the same team that is working on simulation modeling for NASA's VIPER rover. The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, mission was supposed to look for water and other useful resources on the harsher side of the Moon, but the project was terminated in 2024. The team relied on an open-source simulation software called Chrono to discover the discrepancy in the Earth-based rover testing protocols. It's the same software that is also used for estimating the off-roading capabilities of US Army vehicles. The team has detailed its findings in a paper published in the Journal of Field Robotics. The road to safer rover missions The team at UW-Madison, however, continued its work on rover tech for space missions. Elaborating on the phenomenon, the team notes that Earth's gravity creates a stronger pull on the sand particles than what the same particles would feel on the Moon, or Mars. Additionally, the sand on Earth is said to be more rigid, while the top surface on the Moon is softer, which means it will shift more dramatically under the rover's wheels, and as a result, reduces the traction. Interestingly, the software that enabled the aforementioned discovery, is used across diverse industries. Aside from educational institutions, some of its more notable users include the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center, NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, and the National Renewable Energy Lab. It was also used by the experts at the Politecnico di Milano in Italy for the Mascot lander for its asteroid Ryugu mission. In addition to vehicle simulations and advanced robots, Project Chrono has even been deployed for 'miniaturized mechanisms for watches.'
CNN
3 hours ago
- CNN
Start your week smart: NASA's future, Starvation in Gaza, Stabbing incident, Extreme heat risk, Swimming showdown
5 Things Federal agencies Space programs The Middle EastFacebookTweetLink Follow If you've been suffering through the high temperatures that have scorched much of the country this summer, you know the toll it can take on your body, leaving you dizzy, dehydrated and, in some severe cases, at risk of death. But there's another lesser-known impact of extreme heat — and it might surprise you. Here's what else you need to know to start your week smart. 🔦 Few US government agencies have navigated as much turmoil in recent months as NASA. With the impending loss of thousands of jobs looming, this week saw the release of a scathing letter from nearly 300 current and former NASA employees and the abrupt resignation of the director of the Goddard Space Flight Center. Scientists and agency workers criticized budget cuts, grant cancellations and a 'culture of organizational silence.' They also raised concerns about suggested changes to a system of safety checks and balances. President Donald Trump appointed US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator to replace Janet Petro, a longtime agency employee. That came after the nomination of tech billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA was rescinded. Some scientists are criticizing the agency as the Trump administration tries to dismantle the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, one of the country's top climate labs. Employees are working remotely after their New York City office was shut down. Back in March, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after gaining international attention as their short trip to space stretched into a saga lasting more than nine months. It's an example of how quickly things can go sideways. Meanwhile, leaks have plagued the International Space Station. 📸 In photos: Astronaut Don Pettit captures unique views of the cosmos. Take a look. Blue Origin took a star-studded all-female crew — including singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King — to the 'edge of space' and back. The mission had its critics, but is this the future of spaceflight? Israel says it will open aid corridors as fury grows over starvation in Gaza A 'random' stabbing at a Michigan Walmart left 11 injured, officials say. Here's what we know so far Alabama toddler dies in hot car while in state custody GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. Looking for a way to beat the summer heat? July 28 is National Water Park Day, so grab your swimsuits and hit the water slide or tube down a lazy river! The International Monetary Fund will release its July 2025 World Economic Outlook Update. This publication provides analyses and projections of the global economy. In an update in April, the IMF said forecasts for global growth had been revised markedly down compared with its January update, reflecting effective tariff rates at levels not seen in a century. The Federal Reserve is set to conclude its fifth interest rate meeting since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, with policymakers expected to hold rates steady once again. The decision is likely to draw sharp criticism from Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with Fed Chair Jerome Powell over the bank's refusal to cut rates. Tension between the two was evident last week during a tour of the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, a project the Trump administration has used to intensify pressure on Powell. 📹 Watch this awkward exchange between Powell and the president. The National Transportation Safety Board will begin a three-day public hearing to investigate the January 29 mid-air collision between a regional jet and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, DC, that killed 67 people. President Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs are set to go into effect on August 1 after a 90-day delay, impacting multiple countries, including Mexico, Canada and the European Union. If Trump's proposed duties of 30% do kick in, Americans could wind up paying more for everything from produce to medical equipment, electronics and alcohol. It's also the day we get the monthly jobs report for July. In this episode of the 'One Thing' podcast, CNN's David Rind speaks to science journalist Jane C. Hu about why Republicans are increasingly open to the purported healing properties of psychedelics. Listen here. Prev Next 📸 Check out more images curated by the CNN Photo team. The Tour de France, which began on July 5, wraps up today in Paris. After more than 2,000 miles of racing, riders will make their way down the Champs-Élysées to the finish line. (TK look for a London write) The World Aquatics Championships kick off today in Singapore, and all eyes will be on the high-stakes showdown between swimming legend Katie Ledecky and Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh. Ledecky, 28, boasts nine Olympic golds and 21 world titles, while 18-year-old McIntosh arrives with four Olympic medals and three world records set just last month. 📹 Hear how Ledecky is preparing to face her fiercest challenger yet. And the World Dog Surfing Championships are Saturday at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California. What began as the short-lived TV comedy series 'Police Squad!' in the early 1980s got a second life as 'The Naked Gun' series of movies starring Leslie Nielsen and George Kennedy. Now, more than 30 years after 1994's 'The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,' a reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson arrives on the big screen this Friday. Will it be riddled with moronic jokes, toilet humor and sight gags, just like its predecessors? Let's hope so! 🧠 Take CNN's weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 5.4% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right. How will you fare? Heavy metal icon and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne passed away last week at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Prince of Darkness. (Click here to view) Today's edition of 5 Things Sunday was edited and produced by CNN's Tricia Escobedo.
