Earth's gravity can alter passing asteroids
Posted: Thu, Jan 21, 2010, 7:26 AM ET (1226 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
|
|
Apex becomes billion-dollar company with $200 million Series D round
Posted: Sun, Sep 14 4:09 AM ET (0809 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, September 17
Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites scheduled for Wednesday morning
KEYT-TV Santa Barbara, CA — 1:34 am ET (0534 GMT) Colorado Springs springs into action amid loss of Space Command
Washington Times — 1:34 am ET (0534 GMT) SpaceX rocket-launching license survives NEPA challenge
POLITICO — 1:30 am ET (0530 GMT) SpaceX Eyes First Starship Version 3 Launch In ’25 Or ’26
Aviation Week — 1:29 am ET (0529 GMT) Judge dismisses suit challenging SpaceX's Starship approval
Houston Chronicle — 1:28 am ET (0528 GMT) |
