Massive Double Asteroid Might Threaten The Life On Our Planet If It Breaks Up
A gigantic double asteroid could be a threat for humanity millions of years from now on in the feature. The massive asteroid is about one-mile-long and is associated with a one-inch meteor that bolted a fireball over Japan three years ago. The threat stands in the eventuality of the double asteroid breaking up.
“The potential breakup of the rock could be dangerous to life on Earth,” said Toshihiro Kasuga, a visiting scientist at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and Kyoto Sangyo University. “Those resulting asteroids could hit the Earth in the next 10 million years or so.”
Scientists unveiled that the one-inch meteor broke off the massive asteroid measuring more than a mile wide. The reason it caught fie is due to the YORP effect, which takes place when an asteroid is warmed by the Sun. The space rock absorbs and converts some of that energy into movement.
Massive Double Asteroid Might Threaten The Life On Our Planet If It Breaks Up
The small fireball was seen over Kyoto, Japan, late at night on April 28, 2017. “We uncovered the fireball’s true identity,” said Kasuga. “The 2017 fireball and its parent asteroid gave us a behind-the-scenes look at meteors.” He also added that “The released particles can enter Earth’s atmosphere and appear as fireballs, which is exactly what happened in 2017.”
The Massive asteroid is dubbed 2003 YT1 and is formed of two parts. The more massive rock measures 1.2 miles and is orbited by a 690-foot piece. It is a bright asteroid and synchronous binary system on a highly eccentric orbit, classified as a near-Earth object.
“The parent body 2003 YT1 could break up, and those resulting asteroids could hit the Earth in the next 10 million years or so, especially because 2003 YT1 has a dust production mechanism,” added Kasuga. The asteroid 2003 YT1 was named after the year it was discovered, which is 2003.
As our second lead editor, Anna C. Mackinno provides guidance on the stories Great Lakes Ledger reporters cover. She has been instrumental in making sure the content on the site is clear and accurate for our readers. If you see a particularly clever title, you can likely thank Anna. Anna received a BA and and MA from Fordham University.
0 comments