Hi there
user
Hello! How can I help you today?
assistant
I'm interested in learning about comets and asteroids. What's the main difference between them?
user
The main difference between comets and asteroids is their composition. Comets are icy bodies that release gas and dust as they approach the Sun, creating a bright tail. Asteroids, on the other hand, are rocky objects that orbit the Sun without releasing gas or dust.
assistant
That's helpful, thank you. Are there any comets or asteroids that are known to be potentially hazardous to Earth?
user
Yes, there are a few asteroids that are considered potentially hazardous due to their size and orbit. One example is asteroid (101955) Bennu, which has a small chance of impacting Earth in the future. As for comets, most are harmless, but some like Comet Hale-Bopp were visible from Earth and sparked interest in the 1990s.
assistant
That's good to know. Can you tell me where I can learn more about comets and asteroids?
user
You can learn more about comets and asteroids from reputable sources like NASA's website, the European Space Agency, or the International Astronomical Union. They provide up-to-date information, news, and educational resources on these topics.
assistant