Scientists observe first frozen body turn into comet
Scientists have for the first time observed the transformation of an icy body orbiting the Sun, known as 450P/LONEOS, from a dormant object into an active comet as a result of its approach to the Sun. It was previously believed that centaurs—icy bodies located between the orbits of Jupiter and Neptune—could turn into Jupiter-family comets when they come closer to the Sun; however, no direct transformation had been documented until now. During its recent approach to the Sun in August 2024, there was an increase in activity of 450P, with a coma forming around its nucleus due to heating. Gas such as carbon dioxide was detected within the coma, which is considered the main driver of this activity. These observations present a unique opportunity to study the early stages of centaurs transforming into comets, demonstrating that solar heating influences primitive material at the edges of the Solar System.
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