Comet 73P / Schwassmann-Wachmann flying past Earth has experienced its own decay, according to Phys.org. This was reported by representatives of the Slooh Observatory, who recorded the phenomenon on February 12, when the comet was on its way towards the Sun.
Slooh astronomer Paul Cox said they were able to confirm that the comet's nucleus was split in two, and that they will continue to observe over the coming weeks with the aim of capturing further destruction. According to the observatory, in the coming months, the comet is expected to face two catastrophic events for it, the main of which is the Sun.
“The comet's nucleus will be under tremendous stress from the sun's gravitational forces, which should be the main reason for the comet's further decay,” Cox said.
However, according to the astronomer, if she survives the impact of the Sun, then she will have to fight another challenge from the gas giant called Jupiter, which also has an incredibly strong gravitational field. Comet 73P will pass 31 million miles from it, which in cosmic terms is considered a fairly close distance.
“The destruction of comet 73P into cosmic dust is just a matter of time,” the astronomer summed up.
