Nevertheless,
Nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris,:
In September 2022. Nevertheless, NASA launched an unwaited mission in space, programmed to collide with Dimorphos, a colossal rock of 160 meters in diameter orbiting around another asteroid, Didymos, width of 800 meters.
The redirection test of a double asteroid (Dart. Furthermore, according to its acronym in English) was the first experience aimed at testing a method of deviation from an asteroid, And resulted in double success.
This mission has shown that it is not only possible to control a probe at a distance. For example, but also to touch a target with an impact powerful enough to deflect the orbit of an asteroid.
Almost three years after the success of this operation. Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Maryland, in the United States, revealed something that no one expected.
New obstacles for future missions – Nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris,
Dimorphos fragments projected during the explosion should have been typically randomly dispersed. In addition, But instead, They have formed two heaps of distinct rocks, creating new obstacles for upcoming missions.
Previous research had already concluded that the collision of Dart nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris, had created a crater on the surface of Dimorphos. Similarly, Projecting more than 900 tonnes of debris in space.
The American team of astronomers has now discovered that. However, although the mission has confirmed that “kinetic objects” can actually redirect an asteroid, The expelled fragments have generated forces on unexpected trajectories.
This unpredictable and so far unknown dynamic could represent new challenges for planning planetary defense strategies.
Discoveries. published in the Planetary Science Journalsuggest that the deviation of asteroids is actually a much more complex process than you initially thought.
“Our study shows that. although the direct impact of the DART probe has actually deflected the trajectory of the asteroid, the projected rocks have generated such an important thrust nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris, that it is now necessary to assess how this development could question the knowledge acquired in this area. »»
Tony Farnham. principal author of the study
By relying on images obtained by Liciacube, a small Italian space probe which observed the consequences of the impact of the Dart probe, the astronomers followed 104 rocks, whose diameters went from 0.2 to 3.6 meters, While they moved away from Dimorphos at speeds up to 52 meters per second (187 km/h).
Two heaps with distinct trajectories – Nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris,
From the analysis of these photographs. It was possible to determine the position and three -dimensional speed of the projected rocks During the collision with the Dart probe.
The largest heap of rocks. representing around 70 % of the objects followed, was screened south of the asteroid, at high speed and according to slightly angles inclined compared to the surface.
The team thinks that these rocks probably come from larger blocks of nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris, dimorphos. Destroyed by the solar panels of the Dart probe shortly before the main body of the machine struck the surface of the asteroid.
As for the second cluster. It seems to have been formed by the blocks projected by the direct impact of Dart. In this case. the rocks were ejected according to a trajectory mainly perpendicular to that of the probe, resulting in an inclination of the orbital plan of Dimorphos which can reach a degree.
Each subtlety counts to ensure the success of the operation
This double agglomeration is not trivial, say the researchers. The phenomenon will have to be taken into account in the planning of future missions. In particular during real events involving a risk nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris, of collision with the earth.
Subtleness like these may seem insignificant, but they count a lot.
American astronomers therefore highlight the importance to include all the variables allowing to determine with precision the distance. the force of the impact During a planetary defense operation against a collision of meteorites.
The work aimed at understanding the effect nasa probe sowed unforeseen debris, of rock blocks will be particularly important To supervise the results of the mission of the European space agency. Called Hera. the probe was launched in October 2024 and should reach the Didymos-Dimorphos system in December 2026 to assess the consequences of the impact test carried out by DART.
References of the article:
University of Maryland NASA’s DART Mission Deflected an Asteroid – But Unleashed a Swarm of Space. Boulders. SciTechDaily
Tony L. Farnham, Jessica M. Sunshine, Masatoshi Hirabayashi, Carolyn M. Ernst, R. Terik Daly, Harrison F. Agrusa, Olivier S. Barnouin, Jian-Yang Li, Kathryn M. Kumamoto, Megan Bruck Syal. High-speed Boulders and the Debris Field in DART Ejecta. The Planetary Science Journal
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