American astronomers from Northern Arizona University have found a way to search for long-period comets (LPCs) that pose a potential threat to our planet. A new method can predict the risk of collision with Earth years before a potential disaster. The study was published on: portal non-peer-reviewed scientific publications arXiv.
Long-period comets travel through space following very long orbits. They may approach Earth every few hundred years, or even less frequently.
According to current estimates, DPCs can cause up to 6% of all collisions between Earth and space objects. Today, many long-period comets are known to orbit within 7.5 million kilometers of our Earth. Each of them has the potential to deliver a powerful blow.
In a new study, the team proposed searching for DPCs using “breadcrumbs” – meteoroids (micrometeorites) left in space after the comet’s passage. They form when comets approach the Sun, when intense radiation evaporates most of the ice. This ejects comet rocks and dust in the form of a meteor shower parallel to the comet’s path.
Astronomers say meteor showers can signal major comets and can be detected years before they pose a threat.
The study authors looked at 17 streams with known major DPCs. Scientists simulated a group of virtual comets based on the characteristics of each track and performed calculations to determine areas in space where they might be found. The results showed a significant overlap between the positions of real and digital objects.
Experts believe their methods could give humanity decades to prepare to repel a possible cosmic attack.
Previous scientists recorded the bright flash of a giant volcanic comet.
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Source: Gazeta
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