NASA images unlock complex history of two near-earth asteroids
Recent observations of the Didymos asteroid system reveal intriguing details about its surface composition. Notably, boulders have been detected in the equatorial region, contrasting with the smoother appearance of the equator compared to the rougher mid-latitudes and polar regions. These findings were highlighted by Pajola, who emphasized the significant boulder presence in the higher latitudes.
In related space exploration news, the U.S. space agency’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission has made significant strides in asteroid research. Launched as a proof-of-principle mission, DART aimed to test the feasibility of altering an asteroid’s trajectory using kinetic force. On September 26, 2022, the spacecraft successfully impacted Dimorphos, one of Didymos’s moons, traveling at approximately 14,000 miles per hour (22,530 kph) from a distance of 6.8 million miles (11 million km) from Earth. This collision modestly adjusted Dimorphos’s path and slightly altered its shape.
The data obtained from the DART mission has greatly enhanced the scientific community’s understanding of binary asteroid systems. Barnouin noted that binary systems account for about 10-15% of near-Earth asteroids. “Every new observation of these systems provides deeper insights into asteroid formation and evolution, particularly among smaller asteroids under one kilometer in diameter,” Barnouin added.
