MOTHER OF DRAGONS - SCI & TECH

News: What is 'Mother of all dragons' comet and where is it visible

 

What's in the news?

       The celestial phenomenon, commonly referred to as the "Mother of Dragons" comet and formally designated as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is presently experiencing a rare appearance in the skies of the Northern Hemisphere.

 

"Mother of Dragons”:

       It was discovered in the early 19th century and is renowned for its distinctive green glow, which is attributed to the presence of diatomic carbon molecules within it.

 

Unique Characteristics of Comet "Mother of Dragons":

       It exhibits volcanic activity, a rare trait among comets.

       These eruptions expel ice and dust from its core, enhancing its brightness and visibility from Earth, leading to its nickname "Mother of Dragons."

       Classified as a Halley-type comet, it boasts a relatively short orbital period compared to others, completing a single orbit around the sun in just over seven decades.

       Its last appearance near Earth was in 1954, with the next anticipated encounter projected for the mid-2090s.

 

Other Key Features:

       Belonging to the category of Jupiter-family comets, its trajectory is influenced by the gravitational pull of Jupiter.

 

Significance:

       The periodic nature of this comet offers valuable insights into comet dynamics and the evolution of our solar system.