In a remarkable feat of citizen science, astronomers have discovered a boundary between comets and asteroids using only images taken from amateur telescopes. This boundary, known as the ‘froggy line’, marks the separation between small icy bodies and rocky asteroids. It was discovered by a team of international scientists, led by amateur astronomer Gianluca Masi from the Virtual Telescope Project in Italy. The team’s findings have been published in the November 2021 issue of the Astrophysical Journal.

This discovery is a testament to the power of citizen science. By engaging the public in research, amateur astronomers have made a significant contribution to the field of astronomy. The ‘froggy line’ provides a useful tool for discerning between comets and asteroids, and will help astronomers better understand the solar system. This exciting discovery marks a new milestone in the history of citizen science!

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source: Phys.org