Astronomy > Planetary Astronomy
DCS #8A20.41
MAKING A COMET
nascent comet stuck to bowl

APPARATUS
 
5 lb dry ice TJ Ice in South Amherst
1-l beaker of water 101-01-C
handful of dirt 101-02-
a few drops of ammonia 202-02-A
pinch of corn starch IGA
bowl 202-10-A
garbage bag to line bowl 202-02-B
paper towels 202-sink
wooden spoon 202-10-A
gloves 015
hammer 202-02-D2
cloth towel 202-10-A

DESCRIPTION
Demonstrate the contents of a comet by making one from crushed dry ice, water, dirt, and ammonia.

Mix dirt, half the water, ammonia, and corn starch in a pan.  Crush the dry ice in the cloth with the hammer and add it to the pan.  With gloved hands, form the mixture into a ball.  Pour water over the ball to give it an outer layer of ice.

 
NOTES

Line bowl with garbage bag, otherwise ingredients will freeze to the bowl.


REFERENCE

http://www.perkins-observatory.org/educational%20files/comet.pdf