comet, comet bernardinelli-bernstein, largest comet, new discoveries, research

New Study Shows Largest Comet Ever Observed Was Active at Near-Record Distance

A new study by University of Maryland astronomers shows that comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein (BB), the largest comet ever discovered, was active long before previously thought, meaning the ice within it is vaporizing and forming an envelope of dust and vapor known as a coma. Only one active comet has been observed farther from the sun, and ...

Troy Oakes

Artist's rendition of the Bernardinelli-Bernstein (BB) comet.

Activity on Largest Comet Ever Found

A newly discovered visitor to the outer edges of our Solar System has been shown to be the largest comet ever, thanks to the rapid response telescopes of Las Cumbres Observatory. The object, which is named Comet C/2014 UN271 Bernardinelli-Bernstein after its two discoverers, was first announced on Saturday, June 19, 2021. C/2014 UN271 was ...

Troy Oakes

World's largest comet heading Earthward.