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Why do astronomers name comets?

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Anonymous

15y ago
Updated: 8/17/2019

The same reason why people name anything - to distinguish between them. Comets are named with the year of discovery, a serial number, and the discoverer's name. Most "comet hunters" are amateur astronomers who live for the fleeting fame of having discovered a comet; being an "amateur comet hunter" isn't a job that pays anything. The fame of having a comet named for them is their only reward.

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Wiki User

15y ago

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