Radio techniques can indeed be used to detect comets near Earth. Radio telescopes and radar systems are powerful tools for observing celestial objects, including comets. They can provide valuable information on the size, shape, rotation, and surface properties of a comet. This technique involves bouncing radio waves off the comet’s surface and analyzing the reflected signals.
While traditionally optical telescopes have been the primary instrument for observing comets, radar observations can complement these by offering insights into the physical characteristics that optical methods may not be able to discern, especially when visual observation is difficult due to distance, light conditions, or the object’s rough surface.
Additionally, radio waves can penetrate dust and gas clouds surrounding comets, allowing scientists to study the nucleus even when optical visibility is hindered. This capability is crucial for research, tracking the comet’s trajectory, and assessing any potential threats comets may pose when they pass near Earth.