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
|
|
Tuesday, February 4
Viasat Awarded Task Order For Space Force Satcom Services
Aviation Week — 7:01 am ET (1201 GMT) A Fidelity fund is now valuing its stake in SpaceX at more than $2.7 billion
Business Insider — 6:59 am ET (1159 GMT) Elon Musk’s glaring conflicts of interest deserve more attention
The Hill — 6:57 am ET (1157 GMT) Airbus Hires Goldman for European Space Tie-Up to Rival Musk
Bloomberg News — 6:55 am ET (1155 GMT) Microbes in space: how bacteria could help sustain long-distance space travel
Nature — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) |
