Ask An Astronomer Answer Archives

Black Holes Cosmology Galaxies History Meteors, Comets and Asteroids Miscellaneous Moon
Nebulae Night Sky Physics Planets Space Stars Star Clusters Telescopes


  1. What astronomers are interested in Trojan asteroids?
  2. What is the period of comet Temple-Tuttle, and when will it be near the Earth? How is this comet related to the Leonid meteor shower?
  3. Where can I find information on the November meteor shower that "stormed" in 1966?
  4. Are comets disintegrating as they pass by the Sun? What is the ultimate fate of a comet?
  5. What determines the direction of the comet's tail in relation to the sun?

  6. I have an image of comet Hale/Bopp that appears to show a small bright spot near the comet! What could it be?
  7. I need some information about the asteroid Pallas.
  8. How bright will Comet Machholtz get?
  9. How did comets form? What are they made out of?
  10. How are comets formed, and what are they made of?

  11. What happens to a meteorite once it hits the surface of the earth?
  12. What causes more damage if it hits the earth, an asteroid or a comet?
  13. What is the distance to Gaspra? When did the Earth last come close to Gaspra?
  14. Is there a comet or asteroid about to hit the Earth?
  15. I saw something streak across the sky. What was it?

  16. Can you hear meteors using a radio? At what frequencies?
  17. What is a comet?
  18. The Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona appears oval. Is this possible?
  19. Can a meteor affect our electricity?
  20. What comets are currently visible?
  21. How concerned should I be about an asteroid or comet hitting the Earth?