A team of scientists in Finland has been tracking the orbits of particles coming off of Comet 17P/Holmes since 2013. They have found that these particles trace out an hourglass shape, with the north and south sides of the cometary tail collecting particles in what they call nodes. These nodes give some insight into how the comet evolved.

Back in 2007, the comet got significantly brighter, and its core expanded, shedding more particles in what is called a cometary outburst. By understanding the paths these particles have taken, the team can plot their way back to where that original outburst occurred in the comet’s orbits. And this new research can help scientists predict the location and intensity of meteor showers.

Maria Gritsevich, project leader, concludes: We predict that with our published data on the time of arrival and the corresponding coordinates of the dust trail of the comet 17P/Holmes in 2022 it will be visible even in the telescopes of amateur astronomers. We expect that the results of their observations will provide additional information about the number and size of the particles and their geospatial distribution. This information will be useful for developing new models and understanding what happens to the comet and its trail.

Next, the team plans to focus on the reasons for the sudden outburst and increase in brightness, as well as simulate an outburst and observe the results.

More Information

Ural Federal University press release

“Evolution of the dust trail of comet 17P/Holmes,” Maria Gritsevich et al., 2022 March 29, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society