A trio of comets will approach Earth in the next two years, and Tucson-based astronomers plan to study them closely. That includes enlisting help from amateur and professional astronomers around the world to allow for continuous observation.
Astronomers study comets’ atmospheres to understand their composition and rotation and to look for active regions.
The approach of three comets within two years is rare. These comets will pass Earth at 30 to 60 times the distance of the moon.
Tucson’s Planetary Science Institute will lead the research. Nalin Samarashina, senior scientist, is organizing observers worldwide for several months of continuous monitoring early next year and again in late 2018.
“This is actually an exercise where amateur astronomers can make a contribution. It is a way of sharing their enthusiasm into something really fruitful," said Samarashina.
One of the comets could be a potential target for a spacecraft visit.
Samarashina said the comets will be visible with binoculars.