Giant Comet Wakes Up Early!

A colossal comet, larger than a city, has started to show signs of activity as it journeys towards the Sun — despite still being a staggering 2 billion miles away, well beyond the orbit of Saturn!

Incredible Observations from Chile!

Utilizing the powerful Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in the Chilean desert, scientists have gained unprecedented insight into C/2014 UN271, also known as Bernardinelli–Bernstein. This gargantuan comet, one of the largest and most distant ever identified, is perplexingly emitting gas, marking a fascinating turn of events.

Gas Gushing from the Icy Giant!

During observations in March 2024, researchers detected jets of carbon monoxide — a gas typically absent from such remote observations — streaming from the comet’s surface. They also noticed heat and dust released by its expansive, 85-mile-wide nucleus.

A Cosmic First!

This discovery represents the farthest instance of a comet being active while observed in millimeter wavelengths, which ALMA specializes in, allowing scientists to scrutinize these cold cosmic entities.

Explosiveness in Outgassing Patterns!

NASA's Nathan Roth, the lead author of the groundbreaking study, remarked on the unexpected explosive outgassing patterns, highlighting more questions about the comet’s evolution as it journeys inward toward the inner solar system.

Ancient Secrets of the Solar System!

Comets like Bernardinelli–Bernstein are considered time capsules from the solar system's formative years, possibly harboring vital clues about how Earth and other planets accumulated water and essential chemicals for life. With over 4,000 comets cataloged, scientists are keenly monitoring this extraordinary one.

A Unique Behavioral Analysis!

Remarkably, this comet, still 1.5 billion miles away, has been active for at least a year, displaying complex jets of carbon monoxide. Roth emphasized that these measurements unveil the inner workings of this icy giant.

Origins and Journey!

Bernardinelli–Bernstein boasts an impressive 3-million-year orbit that propels it around half a light-year away from the Sun. It's believed to originate from the enigmatic Oort Cloud, a hypothesized region teeming with ancient icy bodies encircling the solar system.

Eyes on the Future!

This impressive comet is moving inwards, with its closest approach to the Sun slated for early 2031. The primarily emitted gas is carbon monoxide, but scientists are on the lookout for other gases that may emerge as it gets closer.

A Comet with a Complex Surface!

Even more thrilling than the detected gas is its dynamic release from various shifting locations on the comet's surface. Prior to the observations, the comet experienced a sudden burst of brightness — indicating a tumultuous surface situation!

The Potential for More!

As the comet continues to heat up during its solar approach, new gases like methane, ethane, ammonia, and acetylene may be revealed. Researchers believe Bernardinelli–Bernstein could serve as a rare glimpse into the chemical makeup of ancient Kuiper Belt Objects.

Unlocking the Mysteries!

As UN271 draws closer to the Sun, the authors of the study anticipate more volatile emissions, revealing secrets of its primitive chemistry preserved throughout eons. This extraordinary comet could transform our understanding of the early solar system!