Scientists Observe Comet Reversing Its Spin for First Time

Astronomers have identified an unusual event involving a comet that seemed to reverse its rotation. NASA reported this discovery based on archived data. The comet, called 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresák, travels through the solar system every 5.4 years. During its 2017 passage near the sun, its rotation noticeably slowed.

In March 2017, the comet was spinning at a specific speed, but by May, it was rotating three times slower. A recent analysis revealed even more surprising findings. In December 2017, images showed that the comet was actually spinning faster than it had in May.

Researchers believe that the comet slowed down until it nearly stopped. As it approached the sun, heat melted ice on its surface, creating jets of gas that acted like small rocket boosters, according to David Jewitt, an astronomer at the University of California, Los Angeles. The jets pushed against the comet’s original motion, ultimately causing a reversal in its spin.

Jewitt mentioned that the comet’s nucleus could soon self-destruct due to its rapid changes. Historical data from 2001 indicated that the comet was very active back then, but by 2017, this activity had dropped significantly. NASA noted that continued changes in rotation might make the comet unstable, leading to its possible fragmentation.

This discovery highlights the value of NASA’s publicly accessible data, allowing scientists to revisit old observations to answer new scientific questions.

How much do you know?

What is the name of the comet that reversed its rotation?

41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresák

Halley's Comet

Tempel 1

Comet Hale-Bopp

How often does the comet 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresák travel through the solar system?

3.5 years

5.4 years

7.1 years

10 years

What did NASA report about the comet's rotation during its 2017 passage?

It increased speed

It reversed direction

It slowed down

It remained the same

Who is the astronomer mentioned in the report regarding the comet?

Carl Sagan

David Jewitt

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Stephen Hawking

What effect did heat have on the comet’s surface?

Triggered volcanic activity

Created jets of gas

Made it spin faster

Changed its color

What did the historical data from 2001 indicate about the comet?

It was inactive

It was very active

It was self-destructing

It was orbiting the sun steadily

The comet's rotation slowed down before approaching the sun.

True False

NASA discovered the comet in 2017.

True False

The rotation of 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresák was faster in December 2017 than in May.

True False

David Jewitt believes the comet could self-destruct due to its rotation changes.

True False

The comet is expected to fragment due to its consistent rotational stability.

True False

NASA's publicly accessible data has no value for future observations.

True False

The comet travels through the solar system every years.

In March 2017, the comet was rotating at a specific speed.

As the comet approached the sun, heat melted on its surface.

The jets created by melting ice acted like small boosters.

Historical data indicated that the comet was very in 2001.

Continued changes in rotation might make the comet unstable.

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