Scientists Accurately Predict Volcanic Comet's Explosive Fate

Astronomers successfully predicted the eruption of a volatile, volcanic comet known as 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann, which spews out extremely cold gases and ice from its supercold interior in a type of volcanic activity known as cryovolcanism. The eruption was "like a cork popping from a champagne bottle," according to Spaceweather.com. Cryovolcanic bodies, which include a handful of other comets and several solar system moons, have a surface crust surrounding a mainly solid icy core. The latest eruption is proof that 29P's eruptions can be predicted in advance, which will hopefully help researchers to study future eruptions in greater detail.