A giant comet erupted into the shape of a glowing snail shell
The massive cryovolcanic comet 12P/Pons-Brooks recently stunned astronomers by erupting with a distinct spiral pattern that mimics the appearance of a glowing, celestial snail shell as it travels toward the sun.
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, a massive icy body roughly the size of a city, recently exhibited a rare spiral eruption during its journey through our solar system. This unique shape formed when the rotating comet released plumes of gas and dust through localized vents, creating a winding pattern that resembles a glowing snail shell or a cosmic whirlpool.
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