After nearly three decades of study, NASA scientists have reclassified what was once thought to be a near-Earth asteroid as a comet. The discovery could improve how experts identify hidden comets and strengthen planetary defense efforts.
Comets and asteroids differ in composition. Comets are icy bodies that develop glowing tails when they approach the Sun, while asteroids are mostly rocky. The object, originally identified as an asteroid in the 1990s, was only recently confirmed to be a comet after astronomers observed its faint activity when it came closer to the Sun.
Finding more comets near Earth is important because they can pose a threat. A comet's icy nature means it may break apart unpredictably, potentially releasing debris that could hit our planet. By reclassifying this object, NASA hopes to improve models that predict which space rocks are actually comets in disguise.
Experts say the discovery highlights how much we still have to learn about objects in our solar system. With better identification methods, scientists can track dangerous comets earlier and plan possible deflection missions.
The findings were published in a recent study. NASA continues to monitor thousands of near-Earth objects for potential risks.