- Comets-Interlude-1.mp3
- Comets-Interlude-2.mp3
- Comets-Interlude-3.mp3
- Comets-Interlude-3.mp4
- Comets-Interlude-4.mp3
- Comets-Interlude-4.mp4
- Comets__That-Frequently-Approach-Earth-I.mp3
- Comets__That-Frequently-Approach-Earth-I.mp4
- Comets__That-Frequently-Approach-Earth-II.mp3
- Comets__That-Frequently-Approach-Earth-II.mp4
- Comets__That-Frequently-Approach-Earth-space-bass.mp3
- Consider-Reason-0.mp3
[Intro]
Divine messengers
(Cutting through our curvatures)
Enjoy Lovejoy
(Hale-Bopp, Be-bop-a-lula)
[Bridge]
In the tale (of your tail)
All hail
Vaporize (and mesmerize)
Creating a glowing coma
(Pure light chroma)
[Verse]
Heat! (causes you to vaporize)
Realize! (right before my eyes)
Should come as no surprise…..
[Bridge]
In the tail (in the tale)
In the tale (in the tail)
[Chorus]
Divine messengers
(Cutting through our curvatures)
Enjoy Lovejoy
(Hale-Bopp, Be-bop-a-lula)
[Verse 2]
Heat! (causes you to vaporize)
Realize! (right before my eyes)
Should come as no surprise…..
[Bridge]
In the tale (of your tail)
All hail
Vaporize (and mesmerize)
Creating a glowing coma
(Pure light chroma)
[Chorus]
Divine messengers
(Cutting through our curvatures)
Enjoy Lovejoy
(Hale-Bopp, Be-bop-a-lula)
[Outro]
Vaporize (and mesmerize)
In the tale (of your tail)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Comets That Frequently Approach Earth and Their Mythological Connections
Comets are celestial bodies composed of ice, dust, and rocky materials that orbit the Sun. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes its ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and sometimes a tail that points away from the Sun. While many comets have names derived from their discoverers, some have historical or mythological significance due to their appearances and the events associated with them.
Here are some of the most notable periodic comets that frequently approach Earth, along with their mythological connections:
1. Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley)
- Frequency: Approximately every 76 years.
- Last Appearance: 1986.
- Next Appearance: 2061.
Mythological Connection:
- Name Origin: Named after Edmond Halley, the English astronomer who determined its periodicity.
- Cultural Significance: Throughout history, Halley’s Comet has been associated with various myths and omens. For example:
- Ancient China: Seen as a celestial messenger signaling significant events.
- Europe: Often viewed as an omen of change or disaster, such as the Great Fire of London in 1666.
- Biblical Interpretations: Some interpreted its appearance as a sign of divine intervention or judgment.
2. Encke’s Comet (2P/Encke)
- Frequency: Approximately every 3.3 years.
- Last Appearance: December 2022.
- Next Appearance: Early 2026.
Mythological Connection:
- Name Origin: Named after Johann Franz Encke, the German astronomer who calculated its orbit.
- Cultural Significance: While not directly linked to specific myths, Encke’s Comet has been observed and recorded by various cultures, often inspiring awe and curiosity about the cosmos.
3. Comet Swift-Tuttle (109P/Swift-Tuttle)
- Frequency: Approximately every 133 years.
- Last Appearance: 1992.
- Next Appearance: 2126.
Mythological Connection:
- Name Origin: Named after Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle, American astronomers who discovered the comet independently in 1862.
- Cultural Significance:
- Perseid Meteor Shower: Comet Swift-Tuttle is the parent body of the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most prominent annual meteor showers. In Greek mythology, Perseids are associated with the tears of Perseus or the mourning of Cassiopeia, reflecting themes of heroism and tragedy.
4. Comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1)
- Frequency: Non-periodic (orbit not yet determined; may take thousands of years to return).
- Last Appearance: 1997.
- Next Appearance: Estimated over 6,000 years from now.
Mythological Connection:
- Name Origin: Named after Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp, the astronomers who independently discovered the comet in 1995.
- Cultural Significance:
- Modern Mythology: Hale-Bopp’s spectacular appearance inspired numerous cultural references, including the tragic Heaven’s Gate cult mass suicide in 1997, which believed the comet was a sign for their spiritual ascension.
5. Comet Lovejoy (C/2011 W3)
- Frequency: Several comets named Lovejoy, but notable ones include:
- C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy): Discovered by Terence Michael Moore (Lovejoy) in 2011.
- C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy): Discovered by Gavin H. Schmidt (Lovejoy) in 2014.
- Frequency: Each comet is unique with its own orbit.
Mythological Connection:
- Name Origin: Named after Doug and Donna Lovejoy, Australian amateur astronomers who discovered the comet.
- Cultural Significance: While not directly tied to ancient mythology, Comet Lovejoy’s dramatic survival through the Sun’s corona during its perihelion inspired modern narratives of resilience and wonder.
6. Comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2)
- Frequency: Non-periodic (orbit not yet determined; possibly millions of years).
- Last Appearance: 1996.
- Next Appearance: Unknown.
Mythological Connection:
- Name Origin: Named after Yuji Hyakutake, a Japanese amateur astronomer who discovered the comet in 1996.
- Cultural Significance: Hyakutake’s bright appearance and close approach to Earth inspired awe and was featured in various cultural works, symbolizing celestial beauty and the mysteries of the universe.
Mythological Themes and Symbolism in Comet Observations
While the naming of comets typically honors their discoverers, the awe-inspiring nature of comets has long influenced human mythology and folklore. Common themes include:
- Omens and Portents:
- Comets have historically been viewed as harbingers of significant events, both positive and negative. For example, the appearance of a comet was often interpreted as a sign of impending change, war, or the birth of a great leader.
- Divine Messengers:
- In various cultures, comets were seen as messages from the gods or celestial beings. Their unpredictable and striking appearances made them perfect symbols for divine communication.
- Symbols of Transformation:
- The transient beauty of comets, which appear briefly and then fade, symbolizes transformation, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life.
- Connection to Heroes and Myths:
- As seen with the Perseid meteor shower linked to Perseus, comets and their associated meteor showers often intertwine with hero myths and legendary stories, reinforcing cultural narratives about heroism, sacrifice, and destiny.
Conclusion
While most comets are named after their discoverers rather than directly after mythological figures, their spectacular appearances and the events surrounding them have deeply influenced human mythology and cultural narratives. From Halley’s Comet being seen as an omen in ancient civilizations to modern comets inspiring stories of resilience and transformation, these celestial visitors continue to captivate our imagination and connect us to our mythological heritage.