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 are the potential consequences of a comet's spin slowing down?

Evaluate responses using AI:

OFF

What do scientists hope to learn from the next visit of Comet 41 P in 2022?

Evaluate responses using AI:

OFF