Unveiling the Mystery of Comet Tails: The Role of Drag Factor

  • Thread starter charlatan
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In summary, the tail of comets is created by a combination of the heat of the sun and the solar wind, which consists of particles thrown off by the sun. The tail always points away from the sun, indicating the direction of the comet's movement. This is due to the thin gases boiling off the comet's body interacting with the solar wind.
  • #1
charlatan
A tail of vapour behind a moving object suggests that the object is moving through a medium, and the phenomenon can be explained in terms of drag factor. So what is creating the familiar tail of comets we see moving through space?
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by charlatan
A tail of vapour behind a moving object suggests that the object is moving through a medium, and the phenomenon can be explained in terms of drag factor. So what is creating the familiar tail of comets we see moving through space?

A combination of the Heat of the sun and the Solar wind. The Solar wind consists of particles thrown off by the sun. It is very, very thin,(Thinner than most earth-made vacuums). But so are the gasses boiling off the comet body. The tail always points away from the sun, So when the comet is on its outward leg and moving away from the sun, the tail points out in front of its path of movement.
 

1. What is the significance of studying comet tails?

Studying comet tails helps us gain a better understanding of the composition and behavior of comets, which are believed to be remnants of the early solar system. It also provides insights into the physical and chemical processes that occur in the outer regions of the solar system.

2. What is the drag factor and how does it affect comet tails?

The drag factor is a measure of the resistance that a comet experiences as it moves through the solar wind. It is influenced by factors such as the shape and size of the comet, as well as the properties of the solar wind. A higher drag factor can cause a comet's tail to be more curved and diffuse, while a lower drag factor can result in a straighter and more condensed tail.

3. How do scientists measure the drag factor of comets?

Scientists use data from spacecraft and ground-based observations to measure the drag factor of comets. They analyze the shape and behavior of the comet's tail, as well as the properties of the solar wind in the comet's vicinity, to calculate the drag factor.

4. What role does the drag factor play in the evolution of comet tails?

The drag factor is one of the key factors that determines the shape and size of a comet's tail. As a comet moves closer to the sun, the solar wind becomes stronger and the drag factor increases, causing the tail to become longer and more diffuse. As the comet moves away from the sun, the drag factor decreases and the tail becomes shorter and more condensed.

5. How does studying the drag factor of comet tails contribute to our understanding of the solar system?

Studying the drag factor of comet tails allows us to better understand the dynamics of the solar system and the interactions between comets and the solar wind. It also provides valuable information about the physical and chemical processes that occur in the outer regions of the solar system, helping us piece together the puzzle of the early solar system and its evolution.

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