2026-08-01, 04:23 PM
Hi Phil,
Some thoughts.
I think "Dark Comet" is a poor term for this, likely invented by a journalist. These objects have been known for a long time, and are usually called extinct or dormant comets. There is also a family called Damocloids. Even if it was invented by the authors of a paper, the last thing we need is yet another name for them, especially a bad one, so I would avoid it.
As for the orbits, as long as the MPC doesn't start treating these like comets, e.g. with a single epoch at periastron, there shouldn't be much trouble with the orbits. That shouldn't be much of a worry, because if they did come close to the sun enough for that, they likely wouldn't be dormant.
Some thoughts.
I think "Dark Comet" is a poor term for this, likely invented by a journalist. These objects have been known for a long time, and are usually called extinct or dormant comets. There is also a family called Damocloids. Even if it was invented by the authors of a paper, the last thing we need is yet another name for them, especially a bad one, so I would avoid it.
As for the orbits, as long as the MPC doesn't start treating these like comets, e.g. with a single epoch at periastron, there shouldn't be much trouble with the orbits. That shouldn't be much of a worry, because if they did come close to the sun enough for that, they likely wouldn't be dormant.
Clear skies,
Greg
Head Dude at Skyhound
Greg
Head Dude at Skyhound