Astronomers have discovered seven more dark comets, bringing the total number to 14 and shedding light on these mysterious celestial objects. The new findings reveal that dark comets can be divided into two distinct populations: larger outer dark comets with highly eccentric orbits, and smaller inner dark comets with nearly circular orbits.
According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the discovery of dark comets has been ongoing since 2016. The first reported dark comet was found less than two years ago, followed by six more discoveries. This latest find doubles the number of known dark comets and raises questions about their origin, acceleration, and potential role in delivering materials to Earth.
The study’s authors used reflectivity and orbital data to identify the two distinct populations of dark comets. Outer dark comets are similar to Jupiter-family comets, with highly eccentric orbits and sizes ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometers. In contrast, inner dark comets reside in the inner solar system and have nearly circular orbits, with sizes measured in tens of meters.
While the discovery of dark comets is exciting, it also raises new questions about their composition and behavior. Could these objects contain ice, or might they be a source of materials that delivered life to Earth? Further research is needed to answer these questions, but the study provides valuable insights into the nature of dark comets and their potential role in shaping our planet’s history.
As one researcher noted, “The more we can learn about dark comets, the better we can understand their role in our planet’s origin.” With this latest discovery, scientists are one step closer to unlocking the secrets of these mysterious celestial objects.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-12-astronomers-dark-comets.html