CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- A Canadian asteroid hunting astronomer has discovered a new comet -- the first found at the University of Calgary's Rothney Astrophysical Observatory.
The achievement by Rob Cardinal is said to be only the second discovery of a comet using a Canadian telescope in nearly a decade.
On Oct. 1, Cardinal said he thought he saw something move near the North Celestial Pole while using the observatory's Baker-Nunn telescope. A subsequent computer analysis of the images showed a moving object that, although faint by visual standards, was exceptionally bright for what was a suspected asteroid.
Further research verified a never-before-seen object had been discovered and the achievement was confirmed by astronomers in the United States and Japan, as well as the Harvard University's Minor Planet Center.
According to protocol, the comet was named for its discoverer and is officially designated as C/2008 T2 Cardinal.
Cardinal says the comet will be visible only in the northern hemisphere until June, at which time it will become visible and likely brighter, in the southern hemisphere.
