A comet is a small celestial body that orbits the Sun, composed mainly of ice, dust, and rock. Comets are often referred to as “dirty snowballs” because of their icy composition mixed with other materials. They are most notable for their spectacular tails that form when they approach the Sun.

Key Features of Comets:

1. Nucleus: The solid, central part of a comet, made of a mixture of water ice, carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane, and dust. This is the core of the comet, typically a few kilometers in diameter.

2. Coma: As the comet nears the Sun, the heat causes the icy nucleus to sublimate, releasing gas and dust. This creates a glowing coma (a cloud of gas and dust) around the nucleus, which can be hundreds of thousands of kilometers in diameter.

3. Tail: A comet develops one or two tails that point away from the Sun. The dust tail is made of small particles that are pushed away from the Sun by solar radiation, while the ion tail is made of charged particles that are influenced by the solar wind. Both tails always face away from the Sun due to the influence of solar radiation and wind.

4. Orbit: Comets follow elongated orbits around the Sun, taking them from the outer regions of the solar system to the inner solar system. Some comets have long-period orbits, taking them hundreds or even thousands of years to complete one orbit, while others follow shorter paths.

Origin:

Comets are believed to originate from two main regions of the solar system:

Kuiper Belt: Located beyond the orbit of Neptune, this region contains many icy bodies and short-period comets (comets with orbits that take less than 200 years).

Oort Cloud: A distant, spherical cloud surrounding the solar system, containing long-period comets that can take thousands to millions of years to complete their orbits.

Importance:

Comets are thought to be remnants from the early solar system, and studying them can provide insight into the conditions that existed during its formation.

Their behavior and orbits have been studied for centuries, making them important in the field of astronomy.

Some famous comets include Halley’s Comet, which appears roughly once every 76 years, and Comet NEOWISE, which was visible in 2020.

The author of the book “Gora” is Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned Indian poet, writer, and Nobel laureate. Written in Bengali and published in 1909, Gora is one of Tagore’s most celebrated novels.

About Gora:

Themes: The novel addresses complex issues of identity, religion, nationalism, and social reform in colonial India.

Plot: It revolves around the protagonist, Gora (Gourmohan), and his journey of self-discovery, grappling with questions of caste, religion, and patriotism.

Significance: Gora is considered a masterpiece for its deep philosophical insights and portrayal of Indian society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Rabindranath Tagore’s Gora remains a landmark in Indian literature, offering a nuanced critique of contemporary socio-political issues.

To stay healthy, a balanced diet is essential. A balanced diet includes the right proportion of nutrients required by the body. Here are key recommendations for a healthy diet:

1. Include a Variety of Foods

• Fruits and Vegetables: Consume at least 5 servings a day. Choose a variety of colors for different nutrients.
• Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat products.
• Proteins: Include lean proteins such as eggs, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts.

2. Focus on Healthy Fats

• Incorporate sources of unsaturated fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
• Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats found in processed and fried foods.

3. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Include natural fluids like coconut water, fresh fruit juices, or herbal teas.

4. Limit Sugar and Salt

• Reduce the intake of added sugars and sugary beverages.
• Limit salt consumption and opt for natural seasonings like herbs and spices.

5. Dairy or Dairy Alternatives

• Include low-fat or fat-free dairy products or fortified plant-based alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.

6. Small and Frequent Meals

• Instead of large meals, eat smaller portions more frequently to maintain energy levels and metabolism.

7. Avoid Processed Foods

• Minimize the intake of processed, packaged, and junk foods as they are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt.

8. Customize Based on Individual Needs

• Consider dietary requirements based on age, activity level, and any health conditions. For example, diabetics should focus on low-glycemic foods, while heart patients need low-cholesterol diets.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain overall health, energy levels, and immunity while reducing the risk of chronic diseases.