What type of comets are associated with the Oort Cloud, often exhibiting highly eccentric paths?
Answer
Long-period comets
Comets that originate from the Oort Cloud, which is theorized to be a distant, spherical shell extending far beyond the major planets, are classified as long-period comets. Because they are flung out to such extreme distances early in the solar system's history, their orbits are typically highly elongated or eccentric. This results in revolution periods that span thousands or even millions of years, taking them from the very periphery of the Sun's influence deep into the inner solar system.
#Videos
Learn about where Comets come from and how they are formed!
Related Questions
What material primarily constitutes the nucleus of a comet, according to early descriptions?Who coined the descriptive term "dirty snowball" for the solid part of a comet?What is the approximate distance range in astronomical units (AU) for the Kuiper Belt reservoir?What type of comets are associated with the Oort Cloud, often exhibiting highly eccentric paths?What is the term for the vast, hazy atmosphere that forms around the comet nucleus due to warming?What force is responsible for pushing the dust particles in the Dust Tail away from the Sun?What distinguishing characteristic color is typically associated with the Ion Tail?How does the Ion Tail orient itself relative to the Sun due to solar forces?What orbital period duration defines a comet as a short-period comet?Which specific volatile ice compound is mentioned as being mixed within the nucleus alongside carbon dioxide?What distinctive visual description applies to the trajectory of the Dust Tail?