Scientists at Michigan State University have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying seven new dark comets in our solar system. Led by postdoctoral fellow Darryl Seligman, the research team has doubled the population of known dark comets and identified two distinct types based on their orbit and size.
Dark comets are a relatively new class of near-Earth objects that may contain water, making them a potential source for delivering materials to Earth necessary for life. The discovery expands our knowledge of these mysterious objects and raises hopes that they could have played a role in the development of life on our planet.
The seven newly identified dark comets belong to two distinct types: outer and inner dark comets. Outer dark comets are large objects with eccentric orbits, similar to Jupiter-family comets, which may originate from the outer solar system. Inner dark comets, on the other hand, are smaller objects with nearly circular orbits that travel in the inner solar system, closer to Earth.
The study’s findings challenge our current understanding of asteroids and comets and highlight the importance of studying small bodies in our solar system. As one researcher noted, “dark comets look like asteroids, but their motion resembles that of comets.”
Future research opportunities are vast, and scientists hope to uncover the origins of these objects and confirm their role in delivering critical materials to Earth long ago.
To aid in the study of dark comets, two exciting developments are on the horizon. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, set to launch in 2025, will be capable of capturing images of near-Earth objects moving through our solar system. Additionally, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency plans to rendezvous with one of the dark comets in 2031, providing humanity with its first opportunity to learn about these mysterious objects up close.
Seligman’s research has significant implications for our understanding of the solar system and its history. As he notes, “the future is bright” for scientists studying dark comets, and with continued advancements in technology, we may soon uncover answers about the origins of life on Earth.
Source: https://www.newswise.com/articles/bringing-dark-comets-to-light