Majorcan Astronomy Observatory finds yet another comet

STAFF REPORTER WITHIN the space of just a fortnight, the Majorcan Astronomy Observatory (OAM)has discovered two new comets. The first, christened by the International Astronomy Union as “P2009QG31” was located on 28th September, and the second known as “P2009T2 La Sagra” was spotted on 12th October. The finds can be attributed to the state-of-the-art remote control telescope network which was designed by the Majorcan Astronomy Observatory. One unit is set up in La Sagra in the Sierra Nevada on the mainland 2'000 metres above sea level and the other is in Costitx on Majorca. The software powering the telescopes operates faster than systems used by Space Exploration Agency, NASA. Apart from the comets, the telescopes have discovered 3'500 asteroids (a large number of which are potentially dangerous), and have proved useful in locating waste material in space. OAM director Salvador Sanchez that currently between 16 and 20 million satellite fragments are hurtling through space. The Spanish government has invited the OAM to collaborate in a future European programme of environmental observation and protection.