Scientists Identify Two Distinct Types of Newly Discovered 'Dark Comets'

The discovery of seven additional dark comets doubles their known population, offering new insights into their potential role in Earth's formation.

Dark comets are a newly classified type of near-Earth object that resemble asteroids but exhibit comet-like acceleration without a visible tail.
Researchers have identified two distinct types: larger 'outer dark comets' with eccentric orbits and smaller 'inner dark comets' with near-circular paths closer to the Sun.
The total known population of dark comets has now reached 14, following the discovery of seven new objects by astronomers at Michigan State University and NASA.
Dark comets may have played a significant role in delivering water and other essential materials to Earth, potentially contributing to the development of life.
This research builds on findings from interstellar object ‘Oumuamua and asteroid 2003 RM, which exhibited similar unexplained accelerations, challenging traditional asteroid-comet classifications.