ASTR 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Kuiper Belt, Comet Hyakutake, Oort Cloud
21 Jul 2017
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Why comet: word comes from latin/greek roots meaning wearing long hair. Comet looks like a star with long tendrils of hair dangling (long tail). Early interpretations: for thousands of years seen in a variety of ways (only understood recently). Aristotle believed they were caused by gases rising up from earth into the atmosphere and igniting in some way. Ancient chinese believed they were celestial omens in the heavens that marked important events such as death of kings. Shakespeare quote reflects that saying that sky only lights up for princes and not beggars. Tapestry before battle of hastings in 1066 ad. Historical renderings: halley"s comet observed for 2000 years at least and shows up in a few historical renderings. Halley"s scientific contribution: true scientific study of comets started with halley. Looked at historical records and realized that 3 were the same comet.
