Astronomers find the smallest main-belt asteroids ever detected: Study
Discovering Tiny Asteroids: A New Breakthrough by MIT and ULiege Scientists
In Gembloux, Belgium, scientists have made a significant discovery about asteroids, which are mostly found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Since 1801, around 750,000 asteroids have been identified, with many found in the last decade. These asteroids, although large, have a combined mass less than Earth's Moon. Studying them helps us understand the early solar system and the origins of meteorites on Earth.
Planetary scientist Jehin from the University of Liege, along with MIT astronomers Burdanov and de Wit, have been exploring these asteroids. They discovered that some asteroids, called Near-Earth asteroids, are nudged towards Earth by Mars and Jupiter's gravity. These asteroids have impacted Earth and other planets, influencing their geological history.
The team, led by ULiege astronomer Gillon, is also known for discovering the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system, which has seven Earth-sized planets. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), they searched for atmospheres around these planets. They also used a technique called "shift and stack" to find asteroids in the TRAPPIST-1 field, discovering 138 new small asteroids.
This discovery is crucial for understanding asteroid populations and planetary defense. The JWST's infrared capabilities make it easier to detect these asteroids. Co-authors like Thomas Muller and Marco Micheli emphasize the importance of this research for planetary defense and understanding asteroid sizes.
Burdanov concludes that this innovative approach shows the potential of modern technology in uncovering new scientific insights.
Doubts Revealed
MIT
MIT stands for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is a famous university in the United States known for its research and education in science and technology.
ULiege
ULiege is short for the University of Liege, which is a university in Belgium. It is known for its research and education in various fields, including science.
James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope is a powerful telescope in space that helps scientists see faraway stars, planets, and other objects in the universe. It is like a giant eye in the sky that helps us learn more about space.
Asteroids
Asteroids are small rocky objects that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are like leftover building blocks from when the solar system was formed.
Main asteroid belt
The main asteroid belt is a region in space between the planets Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids are found. It is like a big ring of rocks orbiting the Sun.
Planetary defense
Planetary defense is about protecting Earth from asteroids that might hit it. Scientists study asteroids to understand their paths and how to prevent them from causing harm to our planet.
Shift and stack technique
The shift and stack technique is a special method used by scientists to find small objects in space. They take many pictures and combine them in a way that makes it easier to see tiny asteroids that are hard to spot.
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