Ortholike

Ortholike is a term used to describe a class of astronomical objects that exhibit characteristics similar to comets but possess orbital periods that are significantly longer than typical comets. These objects are often discovered in highly eccentric orbits, meaning their paths around the Sun are elongated rather than nearly circular. The extended orbital periods of ortholike objects can range from thousands to millions of years, placing them in a category distinct from short-period comets which have orbital periods of less than 200 years.

The composition of ortholike objects is thought to be similar to that of comets, likely containing ices, dust, and rocky materials. When their orbits bring them close to the Sun, these ices can sublimate, creating the characteristic coma and tail that are hallmarks of cometary activity. However, the long intervals between their solar encounters mean that they may have undergone fewer sublimation cycles compared to short-period comets, potentially preserving different surface compositions or internal structures.

The study of ortholike objects is crucial for understanding the distribution and evolution of small bodies in the solar system. Their long orbital periods suggest origins in the outer solar system, possibly the Oort Cloud, a theoretical spherical shell of icy objects surrounding the Sun at vast distances. Discoveries of such objects provide valuable data points for refining models of solar system formation and the dynamics of trans-Neptunian objects. Their transient nature, appearing in the inner solar system only for brief periods, makes their detection and observation a challenging but rewarding endeavor for astronomers.