Comae: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
comae
[ หkoสmi ]
astronomy term
Comae refers to the fuzzy outer atmosphere of a comet, which develops when it approaches the Sun. This envelope is primarily composed of gas and dust released from the comet's nucleus, creating a visually striking feature as it reflects sunlight. The term can also refer to the specific regions around certain celestial bodies.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The comet's comae were particularly bright this season.
- Astronomers studied the comae to learn more about the comet's composition.
- The comae enveloping the comet made it visible from Earth.
- Many comets display dramatic comae during their approach.
Translations
Translations of the word "comae" in other languages:
๐ต๐น coma
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฎเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Koma
๐ฎ๐ฉ kom
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะพะผะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ kometa
๐ฏ๐ต ใณใ
๐ซ๐ท coma
๐ช๐ธ coma
๐น๐ท koma
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฝ๋ง
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฐูู
๐จ๐ฟ koma
๐ธ๐ฐ koma
๐จ๐ณ ๅฝๆ็ๆ
๐ธ๐ฎ koma
๐ฎ๐ธ koma
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะพะผะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kom
๐ฒ๐ฝ coma
Etymology
The word 'comae' is derived from the Latin word 'coma', which means 'hair' or 'tress'. In ancient astronomical texts, it was used to describe the hair-like appearance of the outer parts of comets as they move through the heavens. The concept was first formally introduced in the context of astronomy in the early 17th century when more telescopic observations of comets began. The etymological roots can be traced back to Greek, where 'komฤ' also referred to hair. Over time, the term has evolved to embrace the visual characteristics of comets, reflecting both their physical properties and the fascination they inspire in observers. This fusion of language and astronomical observation highlights humanity's age-old intrigue with the cosmos and the entities that traverse its vastness.