Advertisement

NASA discovers our solar system has a tail

Other tails of stars have been imaged by other satellites. NASA/HST/R.Casalegno/GALEX

TORONTO – A NASA satellite has discovered that our solar system has a tail, just like a comet.

The satellite, called the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX), mapped the tail of the heliosphere, the bubble that surrounds our solar system.

Scientists had long speculated that the tail existed, but until IBEX, were unable to see it.

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Our heliotail (helio- is Greek for sun), is comprised of particles that stream behind the solar wind, given off by our sun. The tail has both slow- and fast-moving particles.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices