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133P/Elst-Pizarro
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133P/Elst-Pizarro

comet-asteroid
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Quick Summary

133P/Elst-Pizarro is an unusual celestial body that exhibits characteristics of both comets and asteroids. It orbits within the main asteroid belt, a region primarily populated by rocky and metallic bodies. However, 133P/Elst-Pizarro has been observed to display cometary activity, such as developing a coma and tail, which is typically associated with icy comets.12

This dual nature is thought to arise from a layer of ice beneath an insulating crust of non-volatile material. Random impacts can expose this buried ice, causing it to sublimate and create the observed cometary features. Objects like 133P/Elst-Pizarro are sometimes referred to as "main-belt comets" or "active asteroids".1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. What Is the Difference Between Comets and Asteroids?
  2. comet - The modern era
  3. small body

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