Cometology

/ˌkɒmɪˈtɒlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The scientific study of comets, including their composition, origin, behavior, and movement through space.

Etymology

From Greek 'kometes' (long-haired, referring to comet tails) + '-ology' (study of), literally meaning 'the study of long-haired stars' as ancient observers named them.

Kelly Says

Comets were called 'aster kometes' (hairy stars) by ancient Greeks because of their tails—cometology reveals they're actually icy bodies from the outer solar system ejecting gas!

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