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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Friday, March 27
A leap forward for Lumio: Phase C officially launched
ESA — 6:09 am ET (1009 GMT) Cantor Fitzgerald cuts Firefly Aerospace stock price target on estimates
Investing.com — 6:08 am ET (1008 GMT) SpaceX President: Starlink Could Plateau at 15,000 or 20,000 Satellites
PC Magazine — 6:07 am ET (1007 GMT) Data Centers on Orbit Could Boost Space Operations, Experts Say
National Defense Magazine — 6:06 am ET (1006 GMT) National Defense Strategy ‘falls short’ on nuclear, space threat: SASC chair
Defense One — 6:05 am ET (1005 GMT) |
