NASA Makes History: Discovery of 7 New Rare Objects Raises Total to 14 in the Solar System!

Written by Rafaela Fabris

Published on 12/12/2024 at 13:20

Os sete novos “cometas negros” descobertos pela Nasa no Sistema Solar possuem diâmetros que variam de dezenas a centenas de metros, órbitas que vão de quase circulares a altamente elípticas, e exibem movimentos impulsionados por materiais voláteis em suas superfícies, conforme divulgado no Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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By December of this year, NASA had identified seven rare “black comets” in the Solar System. But on last Monday, the 9th, NASA announced the discovery of seven more of these intriguing celestial objects, doubling the total number to 14.

The research, conducted by postdoctoral researcher Darryl Seligman from Michigan State University and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that these “black comets” have unique behaviors. According to NASA scientists, the movement of these celestial bodies is driven by volatile materials that evaporate from their surfaces, maintaining an asteroid-like appearance.

What Are ‘Black Comets’ Discovered by NASA?

NASA Makes History: Discovery of 7 New Rare Objects Raises Total to 14 in the Solar System!

Despite the name, “black comets” have no relation to black holes. They are objects that combine characteristics of asteroids and comets: visually similar to asteroids but with the rapid movement typical of comets. The first discovery of these objects occurred in 2016, with the asteroid 2003RM, which exhibited a disturbed orbit like that of a comet, without showing a visible tail.

Two Types of “Black Comets”

NASA has identified two categories of black comets within the Solar System:

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New Questions for Astronomy

The discovery of the new “black comets” raises several questions for NASA scientists. How did these objects form? What causes the anomalous acceleration in their orbits? Is there the presence of ice in these comets, which could indicate a mechanism for transporting materials through the Solar System?

Darryl Seligman emphasizes that understanding these celestial bodies may be crucial for deciphering how fundamental elements for life arrived on Earth. With the new discoveries, NASA opens doors for deeper studies on the origin and evolution not only of our planet but also of the entire Solar System.

NASA’s recent discoveries promise to revolutionize our understanding of the mysteries of the Solar System, bringing to light new knowledge about the celestial bodies that share our space.

NASA Makes History: Discovery of 7 New Rare Objects Raises Total to 14 in the Solar System!

By December of this year, NASA had identified seven rare “black comets” in the Solar System. But on last Monday, the 9th, NASA announced the discovery of seven more of these intriguing celestial objects, doubling the total number to 14.

What Are ‘Black Comets’ Discovered by NASA?

Two Types of “Black Comets”

New Questions for Astronomy

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NASA Makes History: Discovery of 7 New Rare Objects Raises Total to 14 in the Solar System!

By December of this year, NASA had identified seven rare “black comets” in the Solar System. But on last Monday, the 9th, NASA announced the discovery of seven more of these intriguing celestial objects, doubling the total number to 14.

What Are ‘Black Comets’ Discovered by NASA?

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New Questions for Astronomy

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