Quote:
Originally Posted by astromark
A perfect example of the most likely is the fact. What else could have done this...? If it were to just open and explode it would have done that when it was under more tension, ie nearer the sun. Only a collision with some other object could release such massive force so quickly... Suggesting it has had a collision is perfectly in line with the facts we can now see.
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I don't think a collision is the only possible explanation.
Suppose some millions of tons of water vapor and other volatiles are bottled up under the crust, which is being progressively weakened by evaporation of surface ice. That evaporation will continue well past perihelion, and the breaking point could come at any time.
A good analogy would be a high-pressure boiler that is being weakened by creeping rust and metal fatigue. That sucker could blow up at any time, not necessarily when the pressure was at its highest.