What is Green Comet?
A green comet is a celestial phenomenon that has captured the attention of astronomers and stargazers alike. It is a comet that appears green in color due to the presence of specific molecules in its coma and tail. The green hue is created by the fluorescence of diatomic carbon (C2) molecules, which emit light in the green color spectrum when excited by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
Comets are celestial bodies made up of ice, dust, and rocks that orbit the sun. As they approach the sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma (the atmosphere surrounding the nucleus) and a tail that always points away from the sun. The green color of a comet’s coma and tail is due to the fluorescence of diatomic carbon, which is a common constituent of comets.
One of the most famous green comets is Hale-Bopp, which was first discovered in 1995 and was visible to the naked eye for several months. Another famous green comet is McNaught, which was visible from Earth in 2006 and was known for its bright and beautiful green tail. In 2020, the NEOWISE comet made a close approach to the sun and was visible from Earth, with a green tail that was captured by many amateur and professional astronomers.
In conclusion, a green comet is a rare and beautiful celestial phenomenon that occurs due to the fluorescence of diatomic carbon in the coma and tail of a comet. These celestial bodies have captured the imagination of people for thousands of years and continue to be a source of awe and wonder for astronomers and stargazers alike.
