Swift Mission Catches a Comet Slowdown

The video discusses Comet 41 P, an icy body from the Kuiper belt, and its journey influenced by Neptune and Jupiter. As it nears the sun, its icy areas turn to gas, forming jets that create an atmosphere and tail. In 2017, astronomers observed a significant change in its rotation, the largest ever seen in a comet. This change could lead to instability, affecting which parts of the comet are exposed to sunlight. Scientists are eager to observe its next visit in 2022 to understand more about comet evolution.

What causes the jets on Comet 41 P to form as it approaches the sun?

• The comet absorbs solar radiation and releases it as light.

• The comet's icy areas warm up and turn to gas.

• The comet collides with other celestial bodies.

• The comet's magnetic field interacts with solar winds.

What was the significant change observed in Comet 41 P's rotation in 2017?

• It stopped rotating completely.

• Its rotation speed decreased by half.

• Its rotation speed more than doubled.

• It started rotating in the opposite direction.

Why is the slowed rotation of Comet 41 P considered unstable?

• It causes the comet to break apart.

• It makes the comet's orbit unpredictable.

• It increases the comet's speed towards the sun.

• It allows small jets to cause wobbling or tumbling.

What potential effect could the wobbling of Comet 41 P have?

• It might cause the comet to collide with Earth.

• It could change the comet's orbit drastically.

• It might expose new areas to sunlight, driving new activity.

• It could cause the comet to disintegrate.

What is the significance of observing Comet 41 P's current phase of evolution?

• It allows for the discovery of new celestial bodies.

• It offers a chance to study a new phase of comet evolution.

• It provides insights into the early solar system.

• It helps predict the comet's future collisions.