Comet Evaporation in Oort Cloud

In summary, the conversation discusses the question of how long it would take for a comet in the Oort Cloud to completely evaporate. Factors such as the comet's size, temperature, and energy of its particles are considered in estimating the evaporation rate. The conclusion is that a reasonably large comet would have an extremely long evaporation rate.
  • #1
Reperio
5
0
Interesting question to think about.

We know that there are lots of comet bodies in the Oort cloud and we know that even in the near absolute zero temperatures evaporation does take place. Comets are usually covered in dust, which slows down this evaporation, but let's consider clear body.

How much time will it take to completely evaporate average comet body (of wafer ice) 10x5 km? Comet does not go around the sun - just sitting in the Oort cloud in the edge of the Solar System. Any good approximations?
 
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  • #2
As I do not have the numbers at hand (nor do i know them by heart), I will only indicate how you could make such an estimate, if you need more help, please tell me so.

The comets in the Oort Cloud are probably fairly good black bodies. They do not have an atmosphere and will therefore have about their equilibrium temperature (they receive as much heat from the sun as they radiate away), so you can estimate their temperature. The temperature sets a distribution of energies of the particles inside the comet. The ones with an energy exceeding their evaporation energy will escape. This should give you a handle on the evaporation rate.

Whatever you calculate, the evaporation rate of a reasonably large comet should be extremely long!
 

1. What is the Oort Cloud?

The Oort Cloud is a theoretical spherical region of icy objects that surround our solar system, extending from approximately 2,000 AU to 100,000 AU. It is believed to be the source of long-period comets that enter the inner solar system.

2. How do comets evaporate in the Oort Cloud?

Comets in the Oort Cloud are subject to a variety of external forces, such as gravitational interactions and solar radiation. As a comet gets closer to the sun, the intense heat causes the icy materials on its surface to sublimate, or turn directly from a solid to a gas, creating its characteristic tail. This process is known as evaporation.

3. What factors affect comet evaporation in the Oort Cloud?

The rate of comet evaporation in the Oort Cloud is influenced by a variety of factors, including the size and composition of the comet, its distance from the sun, and the intensity of solar radiation. For example, larger comets have a larger surface area and therefore more ice to evaporate, while comets closer to the sun are subjected to higher levels of solar radiation.

4. Why is studying comet evaporation in the Oort Cloud important?

Understanding the process of comet evaporation in the Oort Cloud can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. It can also help us better understand the composition and behavior of comets, which can impact Earth and other planets. Studying comet evaporation can also provide clues about the conditions in the early solar system.

5. How do scientists study comet evaporation in the Oort Cloud?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to study comet evaporation in the Oort Cloud, including observations from telescopes, spacecraft, and computer simulations. They also analyze the chemical composition of comets and study their behavior as they enter the inner solar system. Additionally, scientists can study the remnants of comets that have already evaporated in the Oort Cloud, providing valuable information about the process.

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