Believed to be fragments of a large comet that broke up several centuries ago, Kreutz sungrazers are characterised by orbits which take them incredibly close to the sun.
The ESA and NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) captured a bright Kreutz sungrazer comet plunging toward the sun on 3-4 August at more than two million kilometres per hour.
“This comet didn’t fall into the sun, but rather whipped around it – or at least, it would have if it had survived its journey,” NASA wrote.
“Like most sungrazing comets, this comet was torn apart and vaporised by the intense forces near the sun.”
Watch the comet plunge toward the sun in the video below.
Originally published by Cosmos as Watch a comet’s death dive into the sun
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
