1983-discovered "rock comet" Phaethon, source of the Geminid meteor shower, emits gas without significant dust release, prompting research by Japan's Destiny+ mission.
Phaethon, a "rock comet" discovered in 1983, is the source of the Geminid meteor shower. Uniquely, it emits gas without significant dust release when heated by the Sun, raising questions about its composition. Recent research suggests that iron sulfide minerals break down into gases like sulfur dioxide, which accumulate beneath its surface. This behavior will be explored by the Japanese Space Agency's upcoming Destiny+ mission, aimed at enhancing understanding of Phaethon's characteristics.
September 02, 2024
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