Astronomers spot asteroid with multiple comet-like tails
Posted: Fri, Nov 8, 2013, 7:30 AM ET (1230 GMT)
Astronomers reported Thursday that they have spotted an object in the main asteroid belt that has six comet-like tails spouting from it, evidence that the asteroid may be breaking apart. The object, originally designated as a comet, P/2013 P5, when it was discovered in August by a groundbased telescope, was observed by Hubble in September. Those images showed six distinct tails extending from the object. Astronomers believe those tails were created by distinct dust ejection events between April and September. Those dust tails may be the result of the comet spinning up from solar radiation pressure to the point where its own gravity can no longer hold the object together.
Astronomers reported Thursday that they have spotted an object in the main asteroid belt that has six comet-like tails spouting from it, evidence that the asteroid may be breaking apart. The object, originally designated as a comet, P/2013 P5, when it was discovered in August by a groundbased telescope, was observed by Hubble in September. Those images showed six distinct tails extending from the object. Astronomers believe those tails were created by distinct dust ejection events between April and September. Those dust tails may be the result of the comet spinning up from solar radiation pressure to the point where its own gravity can no longer hold the object together.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA IG cites overconfidence and unrealistic schedules for Starliner woes
Posted: Sat, Jul 4 8:11 PM ET (0011 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, July 9
Blue Origin Nears a Big Fund-Raising Round
New York Times — 4:11 am ET (0811 GMT) Bezos’ Blue Origin valued at $130 billion in first outside fundraising round
CNBC — 4:11 am ET (0811 GMT) Blue Origin reportedly raising $10B at $130B valuation
TechCrunch — 4:10 am ET (0810 GMT) Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is raising $10 billion. Read the memo.
Business Insider — 4:09 am ET (0809 GMT) NASA should remember how it helped SpaceX become what it is today
The Hill — 4:07 am ET (0807 GMT) |
