Earth's gravity can alter passing asteroids
Posted: Thu, Jan 21, 2010, 6:26 AM ET (1126 GMT)
The surfaces of asteroids that pass near the Earth can be shaken by the Earth's gravity, which may explain differences in color for these objects. In a paper in this week's issue of Nature, scientists said that when asteroids approach to within one-quarter the distance of the Moon, gravity can shake the surfaces of these bodies, uncovering fresh material. This process can explain why such Q-type asteroids are not seen in the main asteroid belt, where asteroids have redder surfaces caused by "space weathering" from interaction with the solar wind.
The surfaces of asteroids that pass near the Earth can be shaken by the Earth's gravity, which may explain differences in color for these objects. In a paper in this week's issue of Nature, scientists said that when asteroids approach to within one-quarter the distance of the Moon, gravity can shake the surfaces of these bodies, uncovering fresh material. This process can explain why such Q-type asteroids are not seen in the main asteroid belt, where asteroids have redder surfaces caused by "space weathering" from interaction with the solar wind.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, May 22
Globalstar reaches financing deal
Baton Rouge (LA) Advocate — 9:22 am ET (1322 GMT) Globalstar completes 5.75% convertible senior notes exchange
Telecompaper — 9:21 am ET (1321 GMT) Globalstar Announces Successful Completion of 5.75% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes Exchange
Globalstar — 9:19 am ET (1319 GMT) Russian Biosatellite Mission Was Successful - Scientist
RIA Novosti — 9:13 am ET (1313 GMT) Russian Space Agency loses group of mice and gerbils in space
Pravda — 9:13 am ET (1313 GMT) |
