‘Catherine’, one kite and no return – Milenio.com

Catalina is a special kite: besides being the only ones to have two tails, only once through the solar system and then lost in the eternity of space; However, it can be seen from the Earth a few weeks ago and tomorrow have its closest approach, when this planet will be seen better.

“One of the special aspects of this comet is to be started on Christmas day (…) Its orbit makes one pass near the Sun once as has the energy required to be trapped in the solar system, just continue flying. This is the only time you will ” Professor Marco Muñuz Gutierrez, the Institute of Astronomy at UNAM told MILLENNIUM.

Coming from the Oort Cloud, which is at the end of the Solar System, was discovered in 2013 from the mountains Catalina, which extend in the mountains of Arizona, USA, for a team called Catalina Sky Survey, State University, which monitored space. He detected when just beginning to show the star and looked so small at the time thought it was an asteroid, but eventually the details revealed that it was a comet.

“By continuing its movement heaven hyperbolic orbit determined, it comes only once pass through the inner solar system. This means that the only time we can see it, “he said.

For his part, Dr. Jose Franco, CEO of Popularization of Science of UNAM, told millennium that has two tails makes it special: “It’s very rare and it is not clear why the comet’s tail is so open . or appear to have two This is not common and caused intrigue “.

Muñuz Gutierrez said one of the possible reasons for the phenomenon:” It’s a comet with two tails: one gas and one of dust when it passes near the sun begins to receive more energy and that makes some materials begin to sublimate and discard. The other line you see is gas that is ionized and goes along with the solar wind, which is what drags, why are two-tailed, and from our perspective, seem to have opposite directions “.

NOTE

For weeks Catalina can be seen in the sky from Earth.

Both specialists UNAM noted that for people to achieve better see the comet a telescope or binoculars needed.

Professor at the Institute of Astronomy explained that the comet seen from the sky begins to darken and searchable starting at 10 pm. The doctor recommended Franco dawn for better observation, since it is based on the three o’clock when the sun can be displayed better.

The two agreed that Mexico City is not ideal to watch Catalina , especially for its light pollution scenario.

It is quite possible that tomorrow is achieved observe with the naked eye ” since early December is visible and I think we will be more these days. It is a kite that is very close to the Big Dipper (…) I hope you can locate it with a small telescope, but also depends on where you are. In Mexico City will be difficult to observe, “said Dr. Franco.

They also can assist the apps that help you find the stars or planets such as Sky Portal, which is also free.