Scientists Believed This Near-Earth Object Was an Asteroid for 28 Years. They Were Wrong
A celestial body misidentified as an asteroid for nearly three decades has been reclassified as a dark comet after a close approach to Earth.
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The brief
A near-Earth object previously observed for 28 years has been identified as a dark comet. The object recently passed within 2 million miles of Earth.
Coverage from IFLScience and Gizmodo highlights the shift in scientific classification from asteroid to comet. Reports emphasize the extended period during which the object’s true nature remained undetected by observers.
Future developments will depend on further observational data following the object's recent proximity to Earth. Information regarding the long-term orbital trajectory of this comet has not yet been specified.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1d ago.
Quick answers
How long was the object misclassified?
It was identified as an asteroid for 28 years.
How close did the object get to Earth?
The object reached a distance of 2 million miles from Earth.
What is the new classification of the object?
The object is now classified as a dark comet.
Coverage (5)
- After nearly 30 years, NASA realized this near-Earth asteroid is actually a comet Space · 1d ago
- Astronomers Catch a "Dark Comet" Red-Handed Universe Today · 1d ago
- Puzzling Near-Earth Asteroid Turns Out to Be Comet with Weak Tail Sci.News · 1d ago
- A Dark Comet Was Hiding Right Under Our Noses And Got Just 2 Million Miles From Earth IFLScience · 1d ago
- Scientists Believed This Near-Earth Object Was an Asteroid for 28 Years. They Were Wrong Gizmodo · 1d ago
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