A daring comet is set to take a perilous journey through the heart of the solar system, promising a celestial spectacle if it survives the harrowing encounter with our star. As astronomers eagerly await the outcome, the world holds its breath for a potential cosmic show.
The Comet’s Daring Voyage
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS that has been flying through space for millions of years towards the centre of the solar system. Dubbed by models of formation to have formed as far out at 400,000 times Earth-Sun separation, the ball of rock and ice was first discovered and its existence confirmed in 2023 by a Chinese observatory alongside South African program.
So far, the comet has been visible only to residents in the southern half of Earth; on Friday evening, it is expected to pass as close to the sun as it will get before turning and heading back toward us. But it’s an incredibly dangerous flyby that could very well destroy the comet, subjecting it to immense heat and gravity from the sun.
Cosmic Event on the Horizon
Should the comet survive its close shave with the sun, it is expected to be spectacular in the northern hemisphere. It is experts forecast that the comet will be visible in night skies from October 13, as a glowing point of light near the horizon, bright enough to be clearly seen with the naked eye.
The problem is, all that cosmic action depends on the comet’s ability to survive a bombardment from the sun. As these comets approach their thawing hearts, that fixed inner ice starts to melt and sprays a tail of dust behind them — the kind you see reflecting sunlight in glorious glory. The release of gas, a process called degassing, is an indication that the comet is actively being affected by sunlight.
Unfortunately, the sun could potentially break up the comet completely. Astronomer Lucie Maquet from the Paris Observatory told, “the comet may not resist the force of the sun’s gravity,” which could mean a disastrous end — or nothing at all.
Conclusion
The high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with the sun continued Thursday for a comet known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Should the comet survive this close encounter, it will produce a dazzling show in our night sky that would light up the imagination of stargazers across the globe. For the comet is so fragile, there’s no telling if this cosmic magic show will happen or not–keeping astronomers and laypeople alike on the edge of their seats until after the celestial showdown.
