[MrB]

The existance of the hypothetical and unobserved “Oort cloud” is very important to a certain worldview.

Without it, short period comets cannot be explained.

Notice, though, how the article is written, with the Oort cloud assumed as a fact.

[taxcontrol]

I was thinking the same thing.

[Oztrich Boy]

Without it, short period comets cannot be explained.

Exactly.

You have a better explanation for them?

[Sopater]

Hello again MrB.

I see you were immediatly drawn to the mention of the Oort cloud, as was I. Indeed it is only a hypthetical object that was dreamed up to explain short-period comets. It’s like saying that Santa Clause must exist because we know that there are presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

[BenLurkin]

I'll bite. Why wouldn’t it exist?

[wendy1946]

I was noticing the same thing...

[gleeaikin]

I think the Oort Cloud is considered to be the explanation for long period comets. What worldview would that be? So far as I know it is the worldview of most reputable astronomers.