You are here:

Astronomy/Comet project conviently given the last week of school

Advertisement

Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 5/22/2009


Question
Hi Mr. Russo! I am doing a science project on comets and for part of my paper I have to have a quote from an expert on the subject. I figured since you are familiar with astrology and such subjects that you could help me out. So if you could tell me a little about what you know about comets I will use it as a quote from an expert in my paper. Thank you so much for your time and have a good day!

Answer
Well generally speaking, a Comets are dirty Snowballs. Chunks of Ice and rock that orbit the Sun and are left overs from the formation of tha Solar System 4.5 Billion years ago.  As they get close to the sun, the ice melts and forms the tail, which can be millions of miles long.

For a more detailed explanation, go to NASA's Comet section at:

http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Comets&Display=OverviewLong

Steve

Astronomy

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.