Comet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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comet
[ˈkɒmɪt ]
Definition
astronomy celestial body
A comet is an icy small solar system body that, when passing close to the Sun, warms up and begins to release gases, a process known as outgassing. This outgassing forms a glowing coma surrounding the nucleus and often a tail that points away from the Sun. Comets are believed to be remnants from the early solar system and provide important clues about its formation. Their orbits are typically highly elliptical, bringing them into the inner solar system only occasionally.
Synonyms
celestial object, meteoroid, space rock.
Examples of usage
- Halley's Comet appears every 76 years.
- The comet's tail was visible from Earth.
- Comets are often referred to as 'dirty snowballs'.
- Scientists study comets to learn about the solar system's origins.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Comets are mainly composed of ice, dust, and rocky materials, often described as 'dirty snowballs'.
- When a comet approaches the sun, its ice melts and releases gas, forming a glowing coma around the nucleus.
- The orbits of comets can be highly elliptical, meaning they can take a long time to return to the inner solar system.
Pop Culture
- Comets have been featured in numerous movies and books, often symbolizing wonder or impending doom, like in films such as 'Deep Impact'.
- They are celebrated in various artistic works, such as the famous 'Halleys Comet' depicted in various artworks throughout history.
- Many folklore tales involve comets, where they appear as harbingers of significant historical or mythical events.
History
- Halley's Comet is one of the most famous comets, last seen in 1986, and is expected to return in 2061.
- The appearance of comets in the sky was historically used by astronomers to record time and to map the solar system.
- The Great Comet of 1811 was so bright that it was visible in daylight and even laid the groundwork for the modern understanding of comets.
Astronomy
- Comets are discovered when they reflect sunlight, making them visible from Earth, usually as bright spots in the sky.
- There are two main types of comets: short-period comets that take less than 200 years to orbit the sun and long-period comets that take much longer.
- The study of comets can provide valuable information about the early solar system and the origins of water on Earth.
Origin of 'comet'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'kometes', meaning 'long-haired', referring to the tail that comets develop.
- In ancient times, comets were often thought to be bad omens or signs from the gods.
- Different cultures viewed them as divine messages or harbingers of change, leading to a fascination throughout history.
The word 'comet' comes from the Old French 'comète', which itself derives from the Latin 'cometa', and further traces back to the Greek word 'komētēs' (κομήτης) meaning 'long-haired', referring to the tail that comets exhibit. The Greek term is derived from 'komē' (κώμη), which means 'hair' or 'hairy'. Comets have been known since ancient times, with historical records noting their appearances and movements, often interpreted as omens. The study of comets has evolved significantly over the centuries, and with the advent of telescopes, observations became more precise. The understanding of comets transitioned from mystical interpretations to scientific classifications, and they are now known to be part of the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud, structures in the solar system that harbor many such icy bodies.