Comet - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

ANSWER: Comet 252P/LINEAR, comet P/2016 BA14

Explanation:
Astronomers all over the world trained their high end telescopes on the sky on Monday to observe the closest flyby of two comets that may be twins of some sort. Comet 252P/LINEAR, approximately 750 feet in size, will zip past Earth on 21st March at a range of about 5.2 million kms. On 22nd March, comet P/2016 BA14 will safely fly at a distance of about 3.5 million kms. This will be the third closest flyby of a comet next to D/1770 L1 (Lexell) in 1770 and comet C/1983 H1 (IRAS-Araki-Alcock) in 1983.

ANSWER: 67P

Explanation:
Researchers including that of Indian origin have identified 2 large patches of water ice on the surface of comet 67P which is the most studied comet in the history of mankind. Elusive ice was detected using data collected through ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft on the lower region of the comet in a region called Imhotep. Bright patches in visible light is located on cliff walls and debris falls. The surface of 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko, like most comets, is mainly covered by materials so dark they appear almost black.

ANSWER: Comet 67P

Explanation:
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko’s atmosphere contains molecular oxygen. Chemical analysis of its atmosphere using ROSINA mass spectrometer abroad the Rosetta spacecraft has displayed results suggesting high proportions of molecular oxygen. Molecular oxygen level in the comet ranges from 1 to 10 percent and oxygen is the 4th most common has in the atmosphere of the comet following, CO2, water and CO.