A group of citizen scientists, collaborating with NASA, have identified fifteen asteroids that exhibit unusual characteristics typically associated with comets, such as tails and gas envelopes. This finding, sourced from analysis of vast astronomical data, suggests a reevaluation of our understanding of the solar system.
The volunteers who made this discovery were part of the Active Asteroids project. They examined over 430,000 images taken by the Dark Energy Camera on the Victor M. Blanco Telescope to identify these active asteroids. The findings are detailed in a recent publication in the Astronomical Journal, featuring nine of the volunteers as co-authors.
The research on active asteroids provides insights into the solar system’s formation and evolution, as well as the origin of water on Earth. These asteroids have the potential to support future space missions with resources such as ice, which could be used for rocket fuel or to produce air for astronauts.
Join the Search for More Active Asteroids
Dr. Colin Orion Chandler of the University of Washington and the DiRAC Institute heads the Active Asteroids project. Those interested in joining the search for more active asteroids can participate in the project by visiting https://www.activeasteroids.net.
FAQ
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What is an active asteroid?
An active asteroid is an asteroid that presents comet-like activity, such as tails or envelopes of gas and dust.
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How were the active asteroids discovered?
The active asteroids were discovered by volunteers who analyzed images taken by the Dark Energy Camera on the Victor M. Blanco Telescope in Chile.
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What makes the discovery of active asteroids significant?
Active asteroids help scientists understand the composition and history of our solar system, including how water came to be on Earth. They may also provide resources for future space explorers.
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Can I participate in the search for active asteroids?
Yes, the Active Asteroids project welcomes new volunteers. You can sign up to participate at https://www.activeasteroids.net.
Conclusion
The discovery of fifteen rare active asteroids is a tremendous achievement for citizen science and for our understanding of the solar system. The collaborative effort between NASA and volunteers has not only impacted scientific discovery but also brought about opportunities for more people to get involved in space exploration and research. This project demonstrates the power of public engagement in scientific endeavors and the contributions that dedicated volunteers can make to advancing our knowledge of the universe.