Many peoples have various beliefs associated with comets. In ancient times, the appearance of a comet was considered a bad sign. This is due to the fact that people were mainly guided by the position of the stars, and the appearance of an unfamiliar star could become a hindrance. The sight of a comet also caused fear and anxiety. It could look like a sword or scimitar brought up.
Necessary
- - high-aperture telescope;
- - binoculars;
- - a map of the starry sky.
Instructions
Step 1
At the beginning of the observation cycle, the comet is a small, hazy speck that is invisible to the naked eye. To notice it, you need to know the coordinates. They can be found in the astronomical literature. Astronomical sites usually announce this because the arrival of any comet is an important event. Keep in mind that the comet is shifting pretty quickly. To see it, take a high-aperture telescope. A high magnification is not required to observe comets.
Step 2
As it approaches the Earth, the apparent size of the comet increases. There comes a moment when her head becomes visible, which consists of two visible parts. In the center, you will see a core. It is bright and shiny. The core is surrounded by a cloudy, hazy, whitish shell. It's called a coma.
Step 3
As a comet approaches the Sun, its coma expands and stretches. The moment comes when the comet can be seen through binoculars, and sometimes even with the naked eye. On this, the change in the shape of the comet may end.
Step 4
Large comets that come close enough to the Sun can develop a tail. It consists of vapors and gases that the core loses during movement under the influence of solar heat and radiation. There may be several tails of various shapes.
Step 5
There is a classification of cometary tails. The tails of the first type are directed from the comet's head towards the Sun. They are straight and long. The tails of the second type are very curved, while the tails of the third are short and straight. There are also abnormal tails, They can be of a very pretentious look. The shape of the tail is determined by the chemical composition of the gases and the size of the dust particles ejected from the core when it is heated by the Sun. It is influenced by solar gravity and solar wind. Therefore, the tails are very volatile.
Step 6
Having approached the Sun as close as possible, the comet reaches its largest size. It can be seen with the naked eye, and not only at night, but even during the day.
Step 7
If you look at the head of a large comet with binoculars or a telescope, sometimes you can see thin streams of luminous matter that are ejected from the head. They are called "jets". This is a rare occurrence.
Step 8
The comet can be colored. The most common comets are bluish, yellowish or blue-green. The appearance of color is caused by the luminescence of gases that evaporate from the core and are ionized by solar radiation.
Step 9
As the comet moves away from the Sun, its tail gradually dissipates in space, the brightness decreases. Eventually, the comet becomes unobservable.
