A Hyperactive Blue Comet is Approaching the Sun

Space Weather News for Jan. 11, 2018 http://spaceweather.com https://www.facebook.com/spaceweatherdotcom BLUE COMET PANSTARRS: Beyond the orbit of Mars, an unusual blue comet is approaching the sun. Every time astronomers look at Comet PanSTARRS (C/2016 R2), it has a different appearance. Daily images show gaseous jets waving wildly around the comet's core and dusty clouds billowing down the comet's tail. This hyperactivity comes despite the fact that the comet is located in a region of space where deep cold and feeble sunlight usually discourage such volatility. What's happening? The comet's blue color is a crucial clue. Find the answer on today's edition of Spaceweather.com. Remember, SpaceWeather.com is on Facebook! Above: Comet PanSTARRS (C/2016 R2) photographed on Jan. 10th by amateur astronomer Gerald Rhemann of Farm Tivoli, Namibia. [photo gallery] Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2018 Spaceweather.com, All rights reserved.