NASA's volunteer-driven project reveals 'ghostly' asteroid activity
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 18, 2024

In an astonishing feat, over 8,000 citizen scientists have identified 15 unique "active asteroids," showcasing comet-like characteristics, through NASA's Active Asteroids project. This revelation, derived from analyzing 430,000 images captured by the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the Victor M. Blanco Telescope in Chile, not only expands our understanding of these cosmic bodies but also defies previous solar system beliefs.

The discovery, now documented in the Astronomical Journal, notably includes nine volunteers as co-authors, reflecting the project's collaborative spirit. "For an amateur astronomer like me, it's a dream come true," shared Virgilio Gonano, a dedicated volunteer from Udine, Italy, highlighting the personal achievements and collective effort behind this scientific breakthrough.

These active asteroids are of significant interest to researchers, offering insights into the solar system's formation, evolution, and even the origins of Earth's water. The study of their comet-like tails, generated by ice sublimation, holds potential benefits for future space missions, suggesting uses in rocket propulsion and life support systems.

Tiffany Shaw-Diaz, a volunteer from Dayton, Ohio, expressed her deep connection to the project: "I have been a member of the Active Asteroids team since its inception, and it has profoundly impacted my life. Working alongside esteemed scientists has been an honor, and I'm committed to contributing to this endeavor as long as possible."

The project, led by Dr. Colin Orion Chandler of the University of Washington and the DiRAC Institute, invites more enthusiasts to join the quest for new discoveries.

Research Report:The Active Asteroids Citizen Science Program: Overview and First Results

Related Links
Active Asteroids at NASA
Asteroid and Comet Mission News, Science and Technology