The Binary Asteroid 288P (artist's impression) (IMAGE)

ESA/Hubble Information Centre

The Binary Asteroid 288P (artist's impression)

Caption

This artist's impression shows the binary asteroid 288P, located in the main asteroid belt between the planets Mars and Jupiter. The object is unique as it is a binary asteroid which also behaves like a comet. The comet-like properties are the result of water sublimation, caused by the heat of the Sun. The orbit of the asteroids is marked by a blue ellipse.

Credit

ESA/Hubble, L. Calçada.

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