Scientists Accurately Predict Volcanic Comet's Explosive Fate

Astronomers have witnessed a volcanic comet, 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann, erupt like a "Champagne bottle," spraying gas and ice through the solar system. This is the first time researchers have successfully predicted the eruption of the volatile comet, which is known for its cryovolcanic activity. Cryovolcanic bodies, including comets and several solar system moons, have a surface crust surrounding a mainly solid icy core. Radiation from the sun can cause a comet's icy interior to sublime from solid to gas, which causes a buildup of pressure beneath the crust. When radiation from the sun weakens the crust, that pressure causes the outer shell to crack, and cryomagma shoots out into space.