Tag: YORP effect
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New Gaia Data Sheds Light on Chaotic Asteroid Spins
Understanding the Mystery of Asteroid Rotations Asteroids are not simple spinning tops. A new study led by Wen-Han Zhou from the University of Tokyo leverages the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission data to decode why some asteroids spin smoothly around their largest axis while others tumble chaotically. Presented at the joint Europlanet Science Congress and…
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Model Explains Chaotic Asteroid Rotations with Gaia Data
Researchers Unveil a Unified Model for Asteroid Spin Astronomers have long puzzled over why many asteroids rotate in unpredictable, sometimes tumble-like motions, while others settle into steady spins. A recent study led by Wen-Han Zhou of the University of Tokyo, presented at a major planetary science meeting, offers a comprehensive framework that ties these rotational…
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New Model Theorizes Why Most Asteroid Rotations Turn Chaotic
Why Asteroid Spins Have Confounded Scientists For years, astronomers have observed asteroids rotating at a wide range of speeds, with many behaving oddly—tumbling instead of simply spinning around a single axis. Traditional theories could not fully explain why some asteroids slow down, while others tumble, nor why a surprising number are slower than expected. A…
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How Asteroids Spin and Where to Hit Them: New Insights from Gaia Data and Safe-Strike Mapping
Understanding asteroid spin: two forces at work Astronomers are uncovering why some asteroids rotate smoothly like a spinning top while others tumble chaotically. Two recent studies presented at the Europlanet Science Congress in Helsinki shed light on the physics behind asteroid rotation and how this knowledge can improve planetary defense strategies. One research team, led…
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How Asteroids Spin in Space—and How We Can Use That to Save Earth
Understanding asteroid spin: a balance of forces Asteroids come in a wide range of shapes and spin states. Some rotate smoothly like a top, while others tumble chaotically. Recent research presented at the Europlanet Science Congress in Helsinki sheds light on what drives these different spin patterns. By examining data from the European Space Agency’s…