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The Oort cloud (/ ɔːr t, ʊər t /), sometimes called the Öpik–Oort cloud, is theorized to be a vast cloud of icy planetesimals surrounding the Sun at distances ranging from 2,000 to 200,000 AU (0.03 to 3.2 light-years). The concept of such a cloud was proposed in 1950 by the Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, in whose honor the idea was named.
Oort Cloud. Scientists think the Oort Cloud is a giant spherical shell surrounding our solar system. It is like a big, thick-walled bubble made of icy pieces of space debris the sizes of mountains and sometimes larger. The Oort Cloud might contain billions, or even trillions, of objects. Quick Facts. Overview.
Oort Cloud: Facts. In 1950, astronomer Jan Oort proposed that certain comets come from a vast, extremely distant spherical shell of icy bodies surrounding the solar system. This giant swarm of objects, now named the Oort Cloud, occupies space at a distance between 5,000 and 100,000 astronomical units.
Mar 9, 2023 · The Oort cloud is a collection of comets, small km-scale icy (and perhaps rocky) left-overs from the process of solar system formation. It is a spherical collection of bodies orbiting the sun....
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- Vicky Stein
Aug 10, 2015 · Definition: The Oort Cloud is a theoretical spherical cloud of predominantly icy planetesimals that is believed to surround the Sun at a distance of up to around 100,000 AU (2 ly).
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May 3, 2024 · Oort cloud, immense, roughly spherical cloud of icy small bodies that are inferred to revolve around the Sun at distances typically more than 1,000 times that of the orbit of Neptune, the outermost known major planet. Named for the Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, who demonstrated its existence, the Oort.
Jun 7, 2023 · The Oort cloud is a vast and enigmatic region of space located at the outermost edges of our Solar System. It’s home to long-period comets and trillions of icy objects. Unlock the mysteries of the Oort cloud with this article!
