Italian astronomer finds new comet

ROME, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- An Italian astronomer said he has discovered a new comet --the fifth one he has found in less than a year.

Andrea Boattini, who is currently working at Mount Lemmon Infrared Observatory in Arizona, said he spotted the comet while scanning near-Earth objects, the Italian news service ANSA reported Wednesday.

The comet, technically named P/2008 T1, will also be known as Boattini T1. The astronomer said it was easy to spot because of its unusual blaze and fan-like tail.

ANSA said Boattini has spotted 170 asteroids during his career and recently found the closest asteroid to the Sun.