Hazards like solar storms and asteroids constantly appear and pose threats to our planet. NASA diligently monitors Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) to safeguard our planet from potential impacts. When NASA's telescopes detect a new NEA, precise observations of its position in the sky are reported to the Minor Planet Center. Subsequently, the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) utilizes this data to establish the most likely orbit of the asteroid around the Sun. To evaluate the risk of impact and the asteroid's orbit, NASA employs the innovative Sentry II system, featuring a unique algorithm. Sentry II strategically selects random points within the entire uncertainty region, enabling the program to pinpoint very low-probability impact scenarios. Recently, NASA has issued an alert concerning a colossal asteroid that is approaching Earth tomorrow:
When NASA opened Asteroid Bennu capsule brought back to Earth by Osiris-Rex, THIS is what it found
30.09.2023 - 05:17 / tech.hindustantimes.com / Space
After seven years in space, NASA's Osiris-Rex probe has captured the world's attention with its successful return to Earth, carrying a precious chunk of asteroid sample. This achievement promises groundbreaking insights into the origins of our solar system and potential threats from asteroids. Notably, Osiris-Rex traveled billions of miles before jettisoning the precious cargo capsule back towards Earth. The Osiris-Rex spacecraft was some 63000 miles above Earth when it released the capsule carrying the asteroid sample, which fell back to Earth. The craft itself shot by the Earth.
FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli Sitbon, who is currently taking a close look at the mission, said that, As the lid of the capsule containing the asteroid material was opened, surprisingly, scientists discovered what appears to be a mysterious black dust. While the sample of the asteroid was safe inside the capsule, the spacecraft had picked up soot too, either from the asteroid itself or along the way in its journey. This dark powder and sand-sized particles were unexpected.
The Osiris-Rex mission embarked on its extraordinary journey to the Asteroid Bennu, collecting a remarkable 250-grams sample. The capsule's safe return marks a historic moment in space exploration. The collected material is believed to be composed of the original building blocks of planets, making it invaluable for understanding the formation of the solar system itself.
According to NASA, “This mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve our understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth”.
By studying the chemical composition and properties of this material, scientists hope to uncover critical information about the early history of our solar system and Earth's formation. Moreover, this mission can reveal valuable data about asteroids and their potential threats to Earth. Understanding the composition of Bennu and similar celestial bodies can help in developing strategies to minimize the risk of asteroid impacts on our planet. While the chance of a catastrophic asteroid collision is relatively low, the consequences could be devastating and therefore, this research is a vital component of planetary defense.
In addition to the Osiris-Rex mission, recent space news has highlighted the return of an American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts from the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back to Earth was six months overdue due to a coolant leak. The spacecraft was not fit to bring them back home, so they waited for another Soyuz spacecraft to be sent to retrieve them. This marks a new record for the longest space mission by a U.S. astronaut.
Space exploration continues to yield invaluable
Rick and Morty season 7 release schedule: when is episode 2 out?
Rick and Morty season 7 has returned and there are even some new voices for you to get used to. Next up is Rick and Morty season 7, episode 2 and we've got everything you need to know about how and where to watch the new episode below. That includes release dates, channels, and air times.
Asteroid 2023 TT8 to get very close to Earth today, NASA reveals
Asteroids are abundant in space and as many as 1298148 have been discovered to date. To track and study these space rocks which are mainly present in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, NASA has several advanced ground and space-based telescopes in place. NEOWISE telescope, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), Pans-STARRS1 and Catalina Sky Survey are just some of the telescopes and observatories that help study asteroids and remove any uncertainties around their potentially close approaches to Earth.
48-foot asteroid to get very close to Earth today, NASA says
NASA maintains a vigilant eye on the cosmos to track, monitor, and study each and every asteroid in space that comes near Earth. This crucial endeavor involves a combination of space telescopes and ground-based observatories, including the renowned Hubble Space Telescope. As of now, there are 1,298,210 known asteroids that have been checked. While there are no immediate threats from asteroids to Earth, but they can still wreak havoc in the future. Therefore, tracking them is the only solution to avoid any calamities. Recently, NASA has revealed an asteroid, set to pass by Earth. It is designated as the asteroid 2023 TC7. Read on to know more about this asteroid approaching close to the Earth:
Wow! Asteroid 2023 TV3 to pass Earth 4 times closer than the Moon! Know details
NASA, ESA and other space agencies have a suite of ground and space-based telescopes and observatories to track and monitor asteroids. Despite the presence of these technological marvels, an asteroid snuck past all of them! The asteroid, named Asteroid 2023 NT1, made its closest approach to Earth on July 13 when it entered Earth's 60,000-mile radius, which is 4 times closer than the Moon! It was not a small rock either, as scientists later revealed it was nearly 200 feet wide, about 4 times the size of the Chelyabinsk asteroid that caused massive damage in Russia. It was at last found by the Asteroid Terrestrials-Impacts Last Alert System (ATLAS) observatory in South Africa on July 15.
Asteroid to come closer than the Moon! NASA reveals details of close approach
To discover, monitor and study asteroids in space, NASA has several space telescopes and ground-based observatories in place. These include the famous Hubble Space Telescope and the new James Webb Space Telescope. Moreover, spacecraft such as Dawn, OSIRIS-REx, and Hayabusa2 have also helped in studying these ancient space rocks. As of now, there are 1,298,210 known asteroids in space and while not all of them are dangerous, some of them can get knocked off their orbit due to interaction with a planet's gravitational field such as Jupiter, and head towards Earth for potential impact. Therefore, to remove the uncertainties around the asteroid's approach, it is imperative that we track them.
Annular Solar Eclipse 2023: Check NASA guidelines to protect your eyes and where to watch
The annular solar eclipse 2023 will take place on Saturday, October 14. A celestial spectacle that will grace the skies above the United States. It is also known as a ‘ring of fire' eclipse. During this breathtaking event, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, creating mesmerizing phenomena. If you are planning to watch this cosmic display, it's crucial to remember that observing a solar eclipse requires the utmost caution to safeguard your vision. Lance Bass, a well-known figure, has teamed up with NASA to share some invaluable safety tips.
AMD gives Intel short shrift when asked if its competitor's foundry expansion can succeed: 'Of course not'
At the Canalys Forum EMEA event in Barcelona this week, AMD's executive vice president for strategic partnerships was asked if Intel's decision to build new foundries to make chips for other companies was going to be successful. The response was brutal: «Of course not.»
China to double size of space station, touts alternative to NASA-led ISS
China plans to expand its space station to six modules from three in coming years, offering astronauts from other nations an alternative platform for near-Earth missions as the NASA-led International Space Station (ISS) nears the end of its lifespan.
NASA targets Asteroid Psyche in asteroid belt; know what is the heart of the mission
NASA is on a continuous mission of exploration of the cosmos. One such mission, Psyche, scheduled to launch in October 2023, promises to unveil the secrets of a metal-rich asteroid like never before. This ambitious endeavor is set to use cutting-edge technology, including highly sensitive cameras. Asteroid Psyche follows quickly on the heels of the successful mission by NASA called DART in which the US space agency crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid in order to deflect it from its path.
Close encounter with asteroid today! NASA reveals details
To study asteroids up close, NASA and other space agencies have launched several space missions. The purpose of these missions is to study asteroids, minimize any uncertainties around their dangers, and determine whether we could extract resources from them in the future. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was conducted last year where a spacecraft successfully collided with an asteroid to divert it from its path. Other missions include Dawn, OSIRIS-REx, and Hayabusa2.
Apollo asteroid hurtling towards Earth at fearsome speed! Know details
After yesterday's close call with Asteroid 2023 SF6, which passed Earth at a close distance of just 1.4 million kilometers, yet another asteroid approach is expected today. NASA has now revealed that an asteroid is expected to just about miss Earth. While it isn't expected to impact the surface, it could pass by very closely. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO), which is responsible for monitoring the skies against the threat of rogue asteroids, has issued a warning against the close approach of an asteroid designated as Asteroid 2023 SW6.