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Title: Citizen Science Discovery of a Recurrently Active Jupiter-Family Comet: (551023) 2012 UQ192
Abstract We have discovered evidence of cometary activity originating from (551023) 2012 UQ192(alternately designated 2019 SN40), which we dynamically classify as a Jupiter Family Comet (JFC). JFCs have eccentric Jupiter-crossing orbits and originate in the Kuiper Belt. Analysis of these objects can provide vital information about minor planets in the outer solar system, such as the distribution of volatiles within the solar system. Activity on 2012 UQ192was first recognized by volunteers on our NASA Partner Citizen Science projectActive Asteroids. Through our own examination of archival image data, we found a total of ∼30 images presenting strong evidence of activity near perihelion during two separate orbits. 2012 UQ192is notable as we found it to be recurrently active. When 2012 UQ192approaches its perihelion passage in 2027 September, we predict it will reactivate and will be a prime subject for follow-up observations.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1950901
PAR ID:
10497429
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
IOP
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Research Notes of the AAS
Volume:
7
Issue:
12
ISSN:
2515-5172
Page Range / eLocation ID:
257
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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