Astronomers discovered a massive comet -- nearly twice as large as the tallest mountain on the planet, Mount Everest -- is on its way towards Earth and the inner solar system. The comet is expected to make its closest approach to Earth around July 14, 2022.

Figure 1: A massive comet is on its way towards Earth and the inner solar system.

Figure 1 shows that the comet has been named C/2017 K2 (PanSTARRS) and before you were to freak out about this gargantuan rock passing by, you’d be happy to know that it doesn’t pose a threat for us. Astronomers however don’t really know how close the comet will get to our planet. [1]

The comet was first discovered heading towards Earth and the inner solar system in 2017 using the Pan-STARRS survey instrument in Hawaii. When it was first discovered, C/2017 K2 (PanSTARRS) was hurtling somewhere between Saturn and Uranus.

Now, though, the comet is continuing its trek from the Oort Cloud towards Earth and the inner solar system. When it approaches our planet, you’ll be able to see the comet using a small telescope. That’s because the comet, which is twice the size of Mount Everest, is bright and active.

When a comet is active, it is bright enough to be detectable from Earth. However, an active comet relies on energy from the Sun to heat up gases, creating what we know as the coma and tail of the comet. Because this comet is heading towards Earth from the Oort Cloud, though, it’s unclear how it has remained active for so long. [2]

This comet is an interesting opportunity for stargazers and astronomers. Due to the massive size of the comet as well as its bright and active nature, you will be able to see the comet with the help of a small telescope.

According to EarthSky.Org Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope indicate that the comet’s nucleus is about 18 kilometers across. Mount Everest is 8,849 meters tall, which makes this comet twice as big as the tallest mountain on Earth.

Also, you will be surprised to know that even though C/2017 K2 (PanSTARRS) is quite large, it is not the largest as seen by Earth. That record is still held by C/2014 UN271 which also comes from the Oort cloud. However, astronomers do not really know its activity. [3]

References:

1. https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/science-and-future/a-comet-twice-the-size-of-mount-everest-will-fly-past-earth-next-month-573092.html
2. https://bgr.com/science/a-comet-twice-as-big-as-mount-everest-is-headed-past-earth-soon/
3. https://nationworldnews.com/comet-twice-the-size-of-mount-everest-will-pass-by-earth-next-month/

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), A Massive Comet Towards Earth and Inner Solar System, AnaTechMax, pp.185