City-size, cold-volcano comet transforms into a glowing 'snail shell' after major explosive outburst

A massive cryovolcanic comet called 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann experienced a major eruption on February 10, shining 100 times brighter than normal as frozen gas and ice exploded from its surface. The blast created a spiral-shaped cloud around the city-sized comet resembling a fossil snail shell, likely caused by internal rotation that unevenly distributed the ejected material. This marks one of the comet's most powerful outbursts in 25 years, puzzling scientists since the comet maintains a stable orbit between Jupiter and Saturn yet mysteriously erupts about 20 times annually.