When an Oort Cloud comet is pulled into the inner parts of the solar system, it transforms from a cold, invisible object to a spectacular, glowing comet visible in the night sky. This visibility is primarily due to the process of sublimation.
- As comets approach the Sun, the heat causes their icy surfaces to turn directly from solid to gas, a process called sublimation.
- This release of gas and dust forms a glowing coma, often surrounded by a shimmering tail that extends away from the Sun.
- The closer the comet gets to the Sun, the more pronounced its glow becomes, making it a remarkable sight in the sky.
The bright trails of comets are not just spectacular to observers on Earth, but they also offer essential insights into the primordial conditions of the early solar system. By studying comets, scientists can learn more about the building blocks of planets and the processes that governed solar system formation.