Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 19, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Will Comet ISON Break Up?Comet ISON is an interesting comet in many ways, but we know it won't hit us. There is speculation among astronomers however, that it could break up into pieces.Why? Well, that's why we made this video. Please let us know what you think in the comments!For more on Comet ISON, please visit our blog:http://hubblesite.org/go/isonCredit: NASA/STScISource: HubbleSite - ISON blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Wearer of Hats Posted September 19, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 19, 2013 It can't break up, we've been assured that it's actually an alien spaceship! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 19, 2013 Author #3 Share Posted September 19, 2013 It can't break up, we've been assured that it's actually an alien spaceship! Stop listening to the people in the tin foil hats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Merton Posted September 19, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Oh the disaster if it breaks up -- think of all those aliens there in tin foil hats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnie Darko Posted September 20, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 20, 2013 It would look pretty neat if it did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Merton Posted September 20, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 20, 2013 It probably would happen too soon for it to be in best viewing, leaving a bunch of small comets to dim to see well -- not the spectacular comet we were hoping for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud the mackem Posted September 20, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 20, 2013 If it breaks up are the pieces liable to be dangerous to us at some future time depending on whether their orbits will coincide with ours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 20, 2013 Author #8 Share Posted September 20, 2013 If it breaks up are the pieces liable to be dangerous to us at some future time depending on whether their orbits will coincide with ours. No for two reasons. Firstly its orbit does not insect that of the Earth (it passes above and below it). Secondly it is on an ejection trajectory. After passing the sun it will continue out of the solar system, never returning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud the mackem Posted September 21, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 21, 2013 No for two reasons. Firstly its orbit does not insect that of the Earth (it passes above and below it). Secondly it is on an ejection trajectory. After passing the sun it will continue out of the solar system, never returning. Tks for the info. I just wondered what might happen. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NiteMarcher Posted September 22, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 22, 2013 I don't think anyone can assure anything when it comes to comets or meteorites. With billions spent on technology by various countries, I'm surprised not one of them could detect the incoming meteorite that descended on Russia. Are we now to believe that ISON will just pass on by with no effects to planet earth? Mother earth is busy rock-n-rolling and I don't believe anyone will be able to predict the outcome--it's just my take on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspie_Dwarf Posted September 22, 2013 Author #11 Share Posted September 22, 2013 I don't think anyone can assure anything when it comes to comets or meteorites. With billions spent on technology by various countries, I'm surprised not one of them could detect the incoming meteorite that descended on Russia. Are we now to believe that ISON will just pass on by with no effects to planet earth? Mother earth is busy rock-n-rolling and I don't believe anyone will be able to predict the outcome--it's just my take on it. It is not assumption it is knowledge. Orbital mechanics have been understood since the time of Kepler and Newton. Orbits can be calculated with incredible precision. Not one object ever has disobeyed these laws, "magic" never happens. ISON will follow the exact orbit that has been calculated for it. That's not assumption, it is the absence of superstition. You carry on believing what you like, but I'll take knowledge over belief any day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merc14 Posted September 22, 2013 #12 Share Posted September 22, 2013 It is not assumption it is knowledge. Orbital mechanics have been understood since the time of Kepler and Newton. Orbits can be calculated with incredible precision. Not one object ever has disobeyed these laws, "magic" never happens. ISON will follow the exact orbit that has been calculated for it. That's not assumption, it is the absence of superstition. You carry on believing what you like, but I'll take knowledge over belief any day. The day we see an object disobey these rules is the day you can start believing there is intelligent life out there and they can cross interstellar space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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