Scientists watch a comet being born 3 billion miles away
Astronomers have observed a centaur, 450P/LONEOS, transforming into a comet 3 billion miles away, providing a crucial missing link in understanding the evolution of small, icy solar system bodies. This rare event was witnessed using the Gemini North telescope.
Why it matters
This discovery significantly advances our knowledge of planetary science and the dynamics of the outer solar system, helping scientists understand how comets form and evolve from other celestial bodies.
Solar System Comets Scientists watch a comet being born 3 billion miles away News By Keith Cooper Published 4 September 2026 A rare look at a centaur transforming into a comet with coma is providing a missing link in the evolution of small, icy solar system bodies.
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Click for next article An artist's impression of a centaur gradually transitioning into a comet with a coma and tail. (Image credit: iStock) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Astronomers have witnessed a small, icy body that orbits the sun out beyond Jupiter transforming into a comet, providing a missing link between comets and inert bodies called centaurs.
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