A fascinating new class of space objects, known as “dark comets,” has been discovered by astronomers. These celestial bodies might hold vital clues about the origins of Earth’s water. Unlike typical comets, dark comets lack the characteristic coma and tail but exhibit mysterious acceleration, hinting at hidden ice beneath their surfaces. Scientists estimate that dark comets could constitute up to 60% of all near-Earth objects, blending characteristics of asteroids and comets.
Researchers suggest that these dark comets originate from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Through sophisticated computer simulations, they traced the orbits of dark comets back to the inner parts of this belt, reinforcing the long-held belief that icy materials are prevalent there. This discovery aligns with the theory that icy bodies might have played a crucial role in delivering water to early Earth.
A new study suggests up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets, which may have delivered water to Earth. These mysterious asteroids, orbiting between Jupiter and Mars, likely contain subsurface ice. https://t.co/4VQTzB3Ev8
— MessageToEagle.com (@messagetoeagle) July 13, 2024
The idea that icy objects, like dark comets and active asteroids, contributed to Earth’s water supply gains strength with this discovery. Active asteroids, which exhibit comet-like behavior within the asteroid belt, further support this hypothesis. The connection between dark comets and active asteroids, although not entirely clear, suggests both could be significant contributors to Earth’s watery heritage.
The implications of these findings are profound. They offer a potential pathway for how ice could be delivered from the solar system’s distant regions to Earth’s vicinity. The study emphasizes the ongoing debate about the exact origins of Earth’s water. According to Aster Taylor, a graduate student in astronomy and the lead author of the study, while it’s not confirmed that dark comets brought water to Earth, their research introduces another viable pathway for ice to travel from the outer solar system to our planet.
‘Dark comets’ may have given Earth its water long ago https://t.co/iPZREFLGZ0
— David Papp (@DavidPapp) July 12, 2024
Furthermore, the study hints at the possibility that large objects from the Jupiter family of comets, whose orbits bring them close to Jupiter, may also contribute to this process. These findings are published in the journal Icarus, offering new insights into the complex and intriguing journey of water across the cosmos to our home planet.
Key Points:
i. Dark comets are a newly discovered class of space objects that may hold clues about Earth’s water origins.
ii. They could account for up to 60% of near-Earth objects and appear to be asteroids with hidden ice.
iii. Dark comets likely originate from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, supporting theories of icy materials in that region.
iv. Both dark comets and active asteroids might have played roles in delivering water to Earth.
v. The study provides a potential pathway for ice to reach Earth from the outer solar system, published in the journal Icarus.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News