Chemical profiling shows that the water in comet 12P/Pons-Brooks shares the same source as Earth's oceans. The comet is one of the brightest known and returns to the inner Solar System roughly every 71 years. 12P/Pons-Brooks was discovered in 1812 and passes close to Earth on its periodic orbit. Analysis of the comet's chemical make-up reveals isotopic similarities between its water and terrestrial ocean water. The shared chemical signature supports a common reservoir or formation region for some Solar System water and informs models of Solar System chemical evolution.
Chemical profiling traces the source of water in one of the brightest known comets to keep returning to the Solar System.
Our home planet seems to share its heritage with a famous comet. By analysing the chemical make-up of the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks - which was discovered in 1812 and passes close to the Earth every 71 years - astronomers have deduced that its water comes from the same source as our own oceans.
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