It’s both and more. A group of astronomers recently published a paper describing one of the more unusual objects hidden in the asteroid belt. Known as 288P, this asteroid couple orbits each other while also exhibiting comet-like features. read more
This artist’s impression shows the binary main-belt comet 288P. From a distance, the comet-like features of the system can clearly be seen: among them, the bright coma surrounding both components of the system and the long tail of dust and water pointing away from from the sun. read more