Study confirms no risk of asteroid Apophis being redirected toward Earth by other asteroids

Study confirms no risk of asteroid Apophis being redirected toward Earth by other asteroids

A comprehensive study by astronomers from Western University calculated the paths of all known asteroids and found there is no risk of the notorious asteroid Apophis colliding with another space object and altering its course toward Earth, further dispelling fears of a potentially catastrophic impact in April 2029. Apophis is named for the demon serpent, who personified evil and chaos in ancient Egyptian mythology.

First detailed images of near-Earth asteroid 2008 OS7

First detailed images of near-Earth asteroid 2008 OS7

On February 2, NASA utilized the Deep Space Network’s Goldstone Solar System Radar to capture the first detailed images of asteroid 2008 OS7 during its close approach to Earth. The asteroid, measuring between 150 to 200 m (500 – 650 feet) wide, passed at a safe distance of approximately 2.9 million km (1.8 million miles), allowing scientists to refine its size, rotation, and orbital path, improving predictions of its future trajectories.

Asteroid Polyhymnia’s density beyond known elements

Asteroid Polyhymnia’s density beyond known elements

A groundbreaking study by the University of Arizona reveals that asteroid Polyhymnia has a density exceeding that of any known elements on Earth. Led by Jan Rafelski, the research team used the Thomas-Fermi model to predict the existence of superheavy elements that could account for this extraordinary density. These findings not only challenge our understanding of the Periodic Table but also have significant implications for future asteroid mining endeavors.

Comet Nishimura’s tail ripped off by a CME

Comet Nishimura’s tail ripped off by a CME

On September 2, 2023, a coronal mass ejection (CME) launched by our sun hit Comet Nishimura (C/2023 P1), causing a disconnection event and stripping its tail. This encounter occurred while the comet was located about halfway between the orbits of Mercury and Venus.

Cryovolcanic eruption on comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann

Cryovolcanic eruption on comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann

Cryovolcanic comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann suddenly brightened by more than 4 magnitudes on November 22, 2022, signaling a new significant eruption/outburst was underway. After the eruption, cryomagmatic debris started expanding in a shell shaped like Pac-Man.

Bright Kreutz sungrazing comet destroyed by the Sun

Bright Kreutz sungrazing comet destroyed by the Sun

A bright Kreutz sungrazing comet appeared in ESA/NASA SOHO C3 coronagraph imagery on July 11 and entered the C2 field of view on July 13, just before it faced its total destruction.

Comet 2017 K2 ‘The Record-Breaker’ makes its closest approach to Earth on July 14, 2022

Comet 2017 K2 ‘The Record-Breaker’ makes its closest approach to Earth on July 14, 2022

Comet 2017 K2 (PanSTARRS) – dubbed ‘The Record-Breaker’ – will make its close approach to Earth on July 14, 2022, and then reach perihelion (the closest point to the Sun) on December 19, close to the orbit of Mars. The comet is record-breaking because it was already becoming active when it was discovered in 2017 under the feeble glow of the distant Sun.