Comet-Like Tails Detected By Solar Observatories, Suggesting Asteroid Transformation
Astronomers have recently discovered an asteroid with a comet-like tail! The tail was first detected by two solar observatories, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The asteroid, known as 6478 Gault, is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It appears to have a tail of dust and gas that is constantly being replenished. This is an incredibly rare phenomenon for an asteroid, as most asteroids only have tails when they pass close to the Sun. Scientists believe this could be due to the asteroid’s peculiar orbit, which brings it close to the Sun every two years. This could cause the asteroid to heat up, releasing gas and dust to form the tail. It is an exciting find, and astronomers are eager to learn more about this mysterious asteroid.
source: Phys.org