Damaged NASA Double Asteroid revealed new secrets: what scientists found out (photo)

The study made it possible to find out how and when a smaller asteroid in a double system was formed. At the same time it was possible to find out the age of a large object. Astronomers used images of two Earth asteroids, one of which was damaged by NASA Dart to make a more complete picture of their evolution. A new research will help to better understand the evolution of unusual double asteroids. The results of the study are published in Nature, Space writes. In focus.

Technology has appeared its Telegram channel. Subscribe not to miss the latest and most intrusive news from the world of science! In September 2023, the Dart apparatus was struck by Astroid Mimorph, which rotates around the larger asteroid Didim. In this way, they form a double system. The purpose of the impact was to check the technology of land protection from dangerous space stones. As a result of the orbit of Mimorph changed.

Before the collision, the Dart apparatus and its partner, a tiny Liciacube probe, took detailed images of the surface of the asteroids, Didimor and Didim. The study of these images made it possible for scientists to identify some geological features and physical properties of space stones, as well as to find out their age.

It turned out that at high altitudes, the Didima surface is uneven, covered with crankcase, and there are many stones from 10 to 160 meters wide (the diameter of the asteroid itself about 800 m). At low altitudes, the surface is smoother less large stones and craters. On the surface of the asteroid, Dimorph (diameter 160 m) astronomers found stones of completely different sizes everywhere. Although there are almost no craters on this asteroid, it is covered with cracks.

Scientists have come to the conclusion that Drizhl was created from debris that was thrown away by asteroid Didim. Gravity helped these wreckage gather together and create a satellite stone. The authors of the study also determined the age of two Earth asteroids that make up a double system. It turned out that Didim has existed for 12. 5 million years, and dimorph - only 300 thousand years.

Studying the size of the stones and their distribution on the surface of Drifa, scientists have found that they formed at different times, not all at once. The fact that Didima was formed from Didim's debris, confirms the theory of the way of creating satellites in asteroids. The authors of the study also found that Didim's surface consists of a very loose material capable of withstanding much less weight than dry sand on Earth or region.

Scientists have also found that the stones on the surface of Drifa are destroyed for about 100,000 years due to the process called thermal fatigue. It occurs due to a change in temperature, which causes microcracks in the rock. Although 100,000 years can seem for a very long time, it is a short period from a geological point of view, especially in the solar system, which is about 4. 6 billion years old. This means that thermal fatigue on the diarrph is very fast.