Comet spectrum. Artwork of a prism splitting the light of a comet to give its spectrum of colours. The five lines of colour seen here correspond to the main emission lines of the C2 molecule (two carbon atoms). This is represented at bottom centre as two black circles. The spectrum of a comet allows its composition to be studied. As well as C2,comets are known to contain water ice,carbon dioxide,sulphur and ammonia. Comets are small bodies from the outer reaches of the solar system. Most remain far from the Sun in a band known as the Oort cloud. Some have their orbits disturbed,however,and fall in to orbit the Sun on elongated paths | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Lomberg, Jon |
Bildgröße: | 4855 px × 3661 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |