Scientists have discovered a huge comet that is approaching the center of the solar system. It is reported by Fox News.
The cosmic body was discovered as part of the Dark Energy Survey data obtained between 2014 and 2018. The diameter of the object, designated 2014 UN271, can range from 100 to 370 kilometers. The orbit of the “mega-comet” is extremely long – one revolution takes about 600 thousand years.
Scientists estimate that the object will reach Saturn's orbit in ten years. Civilian astronomer Sam Dean noted that as it approaches the Sun, 2014 UN271 will have a coma and a tail. However, despite the fact that the comet will be “impressively bright”, it will not be possible to see it without a telescope.
Earlier, astronomers warned about the approach to Earth asteroid 441987 the size of two Statues of Liberty. NASA called the facility “potentially hazardous.” The object's speed is 13.4 kilometers per second, or more than 48,000 kilometers per hour.
