Comet vintages
Okay, imagine there are big icy rocks that move around in space called comets. Sometimes these comets get close to the sun and the heat causes some of the ice to melt and turn into gas. This gas makes a tail that we can see from Earth.
Now, just like how different types of grapes make different types of wine, different comets can make different types of comet wine or “comet vintages". Scientists measure the gases that come from the comet and compare them to other comets to figure out the differences.
It’s like how we can tell the difference between grape juice and apple juice just by smelling them. Scientists use special equipment to “smell” the gases of a comet and figure out what it’s made of. So, each time a new comet comes close to the sun, scientists can study it and learn more about what these icy space rocks are made of.
Now, just like how different types of grapes make different types of wine, different comets can make different types of comet wine or “comet vintages". Scientists measure the gases that come from the comet and compare them to other comets to figure out the differences.
It’s like how we can tell the difference between grape juice and apple juice just by smelling them. Scientists use special equipment to “smell” the gases of a comet and figure out what it’s made of. So, each time a new comet comes close to the sun, scientists can study it and learn more about what these icy space rocks are made of.