Space Garbage. Comets, Meteors and Other Solar-System Debris. Guest Star: Halley's Comet

Jack Meadows explores the nature and behaviour of space garbage, where it occurs in the solar system, and how different types are related to each other. He explains, for example, why aurorae are only seen near the Poles, why a new comet appears unexpectedly, and why meteor showers occur at particular times of the year. One of the most fascinating aspects of space garbage is that it allows us to 'see' back to the beginning of the solar system. In contrast to the matter that makes up the planets, some space garbage seems to have been little changed since its formation. Of all the forms of space garbage, comets have provided some of the most spectacular displays. In a highly-topical chapter, Jack Meadows looks at the current reappearance of Comet Halley in detail, explains why it is unusual and when it can be seen, and describes the attempts that are being made to intercep it. Archaeologists have acquired much of their knowledge of early human beings by sifting through the rubbish dumps they left behind, In the same way, we owe much of our knowledge of the early history of the solar system and our understanding of the origin of the Earth and of life itself to space garbage. Illustrated.…