NASA's ambitious mission to uncover the mysteries of the solar system has encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Two months after securing a crucial sample from the asteroid Bennu, the space agency faces a perplexing challenge—it is unable to open the canister housing the precious extraterrestrial material.

<h2>A precious payload from Bennu</h2>

On September 24, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft triumphantly returned to Earth, carrying a special payload—an invaluable canister filled with rocks and dust collected from the surface of asteroid Bennu.

These space rocks are of profound significance, holding potential clues to the solar system's origin and the ability to answer critical questions about Earth's formation.

The Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), designed to secure the asteroid sample, has become an unexpected challenge for NASA's scientific and engineering teams. Despite months of preparation and anticipation, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston encountered a hurdle when attempting to unlock the TAGSAM.

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NASA officially disclosed the issue on October 20, revealing that two out of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head could not be removed using the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. This marks the first time NASA has encountered such a challenge in retrieving a sample from an asteroid in space, highlighting the intricacies of the TAGSAM mechanics.

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In response to the unexpected challenge, the NASA team has been diligently working to troubleshoot the problem, adjusting their approach to opening the TAGSAM head. Despite multiple attempts, the resistant fasteners have proven formidable. The constraints of the OSIRIS-REx glovebox, designed to prevent contamination, have further complicated the process, limiting the tools that can be employed to those fitting within the glovebox.

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Despite these formidable challenges, the NASA has has continued its efforts to&nbsp;access a portion of the sample. It has extracting 70.3 grams of rocks and dust from both the outside and inside of the TAGSAM head so far. Surpassing the initial goal of collecting 60 grams, this partial success has already yielded valuable insights into the composition of the asteroid, providing a silver lining amid the technical challenges faced by the space agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's ambitious mission to uncover the mysteries of the solar system has encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Two months after securing a crucial sample from the asteroid Bennu, the space agency faces a perplexing challenge—it is unable to open the canister housing the precious extraterrestrial material.

NASA's ambitious mission to uncover the mysteries of the solar system has encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Two months after securing a crucial sample from the asteroid Bennu, the space agency faces a perplexing challenge—it is unable to open the canister housing the precious extraterrestrial material. A precious payload from Bennu On September 24, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft triumphantly returned to Earth, carrying a special payload—an invaluable canister filled with rocks and dust collected from the surface of asteroid Bennu. These space rocks are of profound significance, holding potential clues to the solar system's origin and the ability to answer critical questions about Earth's formation. The Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), designed to secure the asteroid sample, has become an unexpected challenge for NASA's scientific and engineering teams. Despite months of preparation and anticipation, NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston encountered a hurdle when attempting to unlock the TAGSAM. Also read | Explained: As tale of lost tomatoes grips the world, here's understanding how veggies are grown in space NASA officially disclosed the issue on October 20, revealing that two out of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head could not be removed using the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. This marks the first time NASA has encountered such a challenge in retrieving a sample from an asteroid in space, highlighting the intricacies of the TAGSAM mechanics. Also watch | NASA Chief says Aliens exist In response to the unexpected challenge, the NASA team has been diligently working to troubleshoot the problem, adjusting their approach to opening the TAGSAM head. Despite multiple attempts, the resistant fasteners have proven formidable. The constraints of the OSIRIS-REx glovebox, designed to prevent contamination, have further complicated the process, limiting the tools that can be employed to those fitting within the glovebox. Also read | This is what going to gym looks like on International Space Station Despite these formidable challenges, the NASA has has continued its efforts to access a portion of the sample. It has extracting 70.3 grams of rocks and dust from both the outside and inside of the TAGSAM head so far. Surpassing the initial goal of collecting 60 grams, this partial success has already yielded valuable insights into the composition of the asteroid, providing a silver lining amid the technical challenges faced by the space agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Two months on, NASA is still struggling to open sample container from asteroid Bennu

Asteroids are fine till they're whooshing past our home planet. Even a nudge from these high-speed space rocks can spell disaster for Earth and all the life on it. A straight hit from an asteroid millions of years ago ended the reign of dinosaurs and paved the way for mammals to evolve.

NASA and other space agencies across the world keep an eye on the asteroids near Earth. The space agency has said that a bus-sized asteroid is set to go past Earth. The asteroid has been designated Asteroid 2023 XH7 by NASA.

NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has revealed that Asteroid 2023 XH7 will come as close as 940,148 kilometres to Earth. This may sound a lot but in terms of distances in space, this one is nothing. The asteroid is hurtling through space at 71276 kilometres per hour.

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Asteroid 2023 XH7 is from the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids. These are the asteroids that fly close to Earth.&nbsp;

NASA says that this is not the first time Asteroid XH7 has come close to Earth. The asteroid came close to Earth for the first time on July 5, 2020. At that time, it had passed by Earth from a lot afar. It was &nbsp;9.7 million kilometers away.

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The same asteroid will come into our neighbourhood again on July 22, 2033. At that time, it will be 63 million kilometres away from the Earth.

<h2>Does it pose a threat?</h2>

The asteroid is just 34 feet across, the size of a bus. Due to its small size, it does not pose a big threat to Earth. Asteroids bigger than 492 feet that fly by Earth at a distance less than 7.5 kilometres are classified by NASA as 'Potentially Hazardous Objects'.

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NASA tracks asteroids using its vast network of telescopes that includes powerful ones such as NEOWISE telescope, Pans-STARRS1, Catalina Sky Survey, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and more.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asteroids are fine till they're whooshing past our home planet. Even a nudge from these high-speed space rocks can spell disaster for Earth and all the life on it.

Asteroids are fine till they're whooshing past our home planet. Even a nudge from these high-speed space rocks can spell disaster for Earth and all the life on it. A straight hit from an asteroid millions of years ago ended the reign of dinosaurs and paved the way for mammals to evolve. NASA and other space agencies across the world keep an eye on the asteroids near Earth. The space agency has said that a bus-sized asteroid is set to go past Earth. The asteroid has been designated Asteroid 2023 XH7 by NASA. NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has revealed that Asteroid 2023 XH7 will come as close as 940,148 kilometres to Earth. This may sound a lot but in terms of distances in space, this one is nothing. The asteroid is hurtling through space at 71276 kilometres per hour. Watch | NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China × Asteroid 2023 XH7 is from the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids. These are the asteroids that fly close to Earth. NASA says that this is not the first time Asteroid XH7 has come close to Earth. The asteroid came close to Earth for the first time on July 5, 2020. At that time, it had passed by Earth from a lot afar. It was 9.7 million kilometers away. Also Read | NASA's Perseverance rover decodes Martian lake's ancient history after 1000 Martian days The same asteroid will come into our neighbourhood again on July 22, 2033. At that time, it will be 63 million kilometres away from the Earth. Does it pose a threat? The asteroid is just 34 feet across, the size of a bus. Due to its small size, it does not pose a big threat to Earth. Asteroids bigger than 492 feet that fly by Earth at a distance less than 7.5 kilometres are classified by NASA as 'Potentially Hazardous Objects'. Also Read | Here's how solar system's bizarre phenomena dramatically ballooned atmosphere of Mars NASA tracks asteroids using its vast network of telescopes that includes powerful ones such as NEOWISE telescope, Pans-STARRS1, Catalina Sky Survey, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and more. (With inputs from agencies)

Bus-sized asteroid set to fly by Earth, says NASA

Over a month after NASA unveiled the sample collected from asteroid Bennu, scientists have finally been able to take a closer look at the rock from outer space and they are stumped. Earlier this week, at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), researchers said that they have found that the sample contains a surprisingly rich array of carbon-bearing molecules.

<h2>‘Cauliflower-like texture’</h2>

“We definitely have hydrated, organic-rich remnants from the early solar system, which is exactly what we were hoping when we first conceived this mission almost 20 years ago,” said Dante Lauretta, the mission’s principal investigator and professor of planetary science and cosmochemistry at the University of Arizona, during the AGU.&nbsp;

He added, “I fully expect the cosmochemistry community is going to go to town on this.” Lauretta, as per Live Science, also spoke about how they have been able to retrieve only bits of the 3-billion-year-old asteroid from the outer lid of the sample capsule and described it as rich in carbon and organic molecules.&nbsp;

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The scientists have only been able to take a small part of the sample since the probe dug out so much material that particles began leaking out of the sample collector’s head, but the ones inside its outer lid were protected.

Therefore, while the researchers wait for approval to use new tools for use on the precious rocks, they are using tweezers to pick tiny rocks through the partially open flap and have collected 70.3 grams.&nbsp;

The team believes the container still holds an additional 30 grams to 70 grams of rock which will be extracted next year.&nbsp;

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So far, they have found that the particles are very dark in colour and consist of centimetre- and millimetre-sized “hummocky boulders” that have a rough “cauliflower-like texture,” said Lauretta, adding that they “cling to everything we touch them with.”

<h2>‘Largest pristine reservoir’</h2>

Speaking at the conference, Lauretta also described the material as the “largest pristine reservoir of this material on Earth.” It is believed that the diversity of organic compounds that the extraterrestrial rock contains would help researchers understand the billions of years old complex space-based chemistry and if the origins of life on Earth can be traced back to it being hit by these asteroids.&nbsp;

According to Lauretta, an initial analysis at the Carnegie Institution for Science suggests that the sample contains up to 4.7 per cent carbon by mass. Researchers also observed metre-long veins of white minerals which were initially thought to be calcium carbonate or limestone.&nbsp;

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However, once placed under an electron microscope, the white material looked more like skin, according to the principal investigator. Researchers also shined a light on the white material and it reflected, which does not happen with calcium carbonate.&nbsp;

The team later not only found the signs of carbon and organic molecules but also magnesium, sodium, and phosphate. “I’ve been looking at meteorites for a long time and I’ve never come across anything like that,” said the University of Arizona professor.&nbsp;

He added, “It’s a head-scratcher right now. What is this material?” The researcher also highlighted an important early result based on the initial findings which indicate that overall composition closely resembles the ratio of elements seen in the Sun.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over a month after NASA unveiled the sample collected from asteroid Bennu, scientists have finally been able to take a closer look at the rock from outer space and they are stumped.

Over a month after NASA unveiled the sample collected from asteroid Bennu, scientists have finally been able to take a closer look at the rock from outer space and they are stumped. Earlier this week, at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), researchers said that they have found that the sample contains a surprisingly rich array of carbon-bearing molecules. ‘Cauliflower-like texture’ “We definitely have hydrated, organic-rich remnants from the early solar system, which is exactly what we were hoping when we first conceived this mission almost 20 years ago,” said Dante Lauretta, the mission’s principal investigator and professor of planetary science and cosmochemistry at the University of Arizona, during the AGU. He added, “I fully expect the cosmochemistry community is going to go to town on this.” Lauretta, as per Live Science, also spoke about how they have been able to retrieve only bits of the 3-billion-year-old asteroid from the outer lid of the sample capsule and described it as rich in carbon and organic molecules. ALSO READ | NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains abundant water and carbon The scientists have only been able to take a small part of the sample since the probe dug out so much material that particles began leaking out of the sample collector’s head, but the ones inside its outer lid were protected. Therefore, while the researchers wait for approval to use new tools for use on the precious rocks, they are using tweezers to pick tiny rocks through the partially open flap and have collected 70.3 grams. The team believes the container still holds an additional 30 grams to 70 grams of rock which will be extracted next year. ALSO READ | Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters So far, they have found that the particles are very dark in colour and consist of centimetre- and millimetre-sized “hummocky boulders” that have a rough “cauliflower-like texture,” said Lauretta, adding that they “cling to everything we touch them with.” ‘Largest pristine reservoir’ Speaking at the conference, Lauretta also described the material as the “largest pristine reservoir of this material on Earth.” It is believed that the diversity of organic compounds that the extraterrestrial rock contains would help researchers understand the billions of years old complex space-based chemistry and if the origins of life on Earth can be traced back to it being hit by these asteroids. According to Lauretta, an initial analysis at the Carnegie Institution for Science suggests that the sample contains up to 4.7 per cent carbon by mass. Researchers also observed metre-long veins of white minerals which were initially thought to be calcium carbonate or limestone. ALSO READ | Unexpected discovery: Scientists stumble upon dark material in asteroid sample dropped from space However, once placed under an electron microscope, the white material looked more like skin, according to the principal investigator. Researchers also shined a light on the white material and it reflected, which does not happen with calcium carbonate. The team later not only found the signs of carbon and organic molecules but also magnesium, sodium, and phosphate. “I’ve been looking at meteorites for a long time and I’ve never come across anything like that,” said the University of Arizona professor. He added, “It’s a head-scratcher right now. What is this material?” The researcher also highlighted an important early result based on the initial findings which indicate that overall composition closely resembles the ratio of elements seen in the Sun. (With inputs from agencies)

Bennu asteroid: Hummocky boulders with cauliflower-like texture in canister stump scientists

Scientists have pinpointed the location of the place where an asteroid hit Earth approximately 750,000 years ago. In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the planetary scientists released evidence showing that the location of impact crater they have been seeking for decades is on the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos.

Scientists have pinpointed the location of the place where an asteroid hit Earth approximately 750,000 years ago. In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the planetary scientists released evidence showing that the location of impact crater they have been seeking for decades is on the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos. Although the evidence for the asteroid's size and event's timing is far and wide, the discovery of the location has been a multi-year study. Earlier studies say an asteroid hit the Earth's surface about 789,000 years ago, producing many rocks in southeast Asia and Australia. These black glassy rocks, called tektites, formed the most prominent debris spray from an extraterrestrial impact. Although older and bigger collisions have produced larger sprays, geological processes have long buried the evidence. However, the tektites are recent enough to be visible in several places. Also Read | Twin temples linked to Hercules and Alexander the Great discovered on top of each other in Iraq The location remained hidden for a long time due to geological conditions and thick rainforests. It is also in the world's most politically isolated nations. The team led by Professor Kerry Sieh of the Nanyang Technological University mentioned in the study that "the unexpected ordnance hampered fieldwork for decades." Sieh's team used a layer of pebble and boulder-sized rocks called Bolaven diamicton to identify the impact site's location. According to the research team, the impact broke the ancient sandstone and basaltic lava to form the diamicton. The research team also studied the conclusions of other studies on the impact crater, which convinced them it had not been found as it was filled with lava. From 2015 to 2023, they conducted field research, gathering and analysing tektites from the Bolaven impact and marking their locations on the map. They found small samples that would fit in hand and large deposits up to nine meters thick. Later, the maps pointed to a radical pattern of thickening ejecta (material thrown out during volcanic explosion) linked around a single plateau. The team believed this indicated where the asteroid crashed into the Earth. When the team introduced the idea of the crater being beneath the Bolavean Volcanic Field, they did not have enough evidence to convince the geologists. However, they have five separate datasets that point towards the location. Although the team needs to perform more research at or near the proposed impact site's vicinity, they are confident about the recent study, calling their results "all but definitive." (With inputs from agencies)

This is the exact spot an asteroid made a crater 750,000 years ago

The study of asteroids is important. It can really be a marvellous field of study till all the space rocks are whooshing past Earth. It certainly must be a delight to see these world-ending space rocks do a flyby, a delight that dinosaurs could not get.

It is precisely for the preservation of this delight and prevention of its conversion into sheer, existential fright&nbsp;that we always have our lenses towards the sky to be on the lookout for any of these asteroids coming our way.

Unknown to most of us on Earth, asteroids are shooting past the Earth fairly regularly but&nbsp;some of them have a close encounter with our home planet.

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&nbsp;

Asteroid 2001 QQ142 is one such asteroid. This asteroid has been designated by NASA as a near-Earth space rock. It is expected that it will fly by Earth at a distance of only 5.5 million kilometres soon. This may look like a huge distance but considering cosmic distances, this is but a tiny stretch.

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The asteroid on its own doesn't have any sinister motive. It's doing its thing and orbiting around the Sun. Earth just happens to be in the vicinity. It is approaching Earth at a mind-boggling speed of 23975 kilometres per hour. This makes it much faster than Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles.

<h2>So, what's the size of this asteroid?</h2>

The asteroid is nearly 2,200 feet wide. So it can be compared to a huge bridge. It is bigger than the iconic Empire State Building.

When it flies by the Earth, it will not be the asteroid's first visit to Earth's neighbourhood. It came to say hello on August 1, 1901. But at that time it maintained a safe distance and at its closest, it was 72 million kilometres away from Earth. It will come back in our backyard again in January 2028.

(With inputs from agencies)

The study of asteroids is important. It can really be a marvellous field of study till all the space rocks are whooshing past Earth. It certainly must be a delight to see these world-ending space rocks do a flyby, a delight that dinosaurs could not get.

The study of asteroids is important. It can really be a marvellous field of study till all the space rocks are whooshing past Earth. It certainly must be a delight to see these world-ending space rocks do a flyby, a delight that dinosaurs could not get. It is precisely for the preservation of this delight and prevention of its conversion into sheer, existential fright that we always have our lenses towards the sky to be on the lookout for any of these asteroids coming our way. Unknown to most of us on Earth, asteroids are shooting past the Earth fairly regularly but some of them have a close encounter with our home planet. Also Read | A tomato lost for 8 months on space station has finally been found, and it is a big deal Asteroid 2001 QQ142 is one such asteroid. This asteroid has been designated by NASA as a near-Earth space rock. It is expected that it will fly by Earth at a distance of only 5.5 million kilometres soon. This may look like a huge distance but considering cosmic distances, this is but a tiny stretch. Also Read | Monstrous dark hole in Sun releasing superfast solar wind towards Earth. Scientists warn... The asteroid on its own doesn't have any sinister motive. It's doing its thing and orbiting around the Sun. Earth just happens to be in the vicinity. It is approaching Earth at a mind-boggling speed of 23975 kilometres per hour. This makes it much faster than Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles. So, what's the size of this asteroid? The asteroid is nearly 2,200 feet wide. So it can be compared to a huge bridge. It is bigger than the iconic Empire State Building. When it flies by the Earth, it will not be the asteroid's first visit to Earth's neighbourhood. It came to say hello on August 1, 1901. But at that time it maintained a safe distance and at its closest, it was 72 million kilometres away from Earth. It will come back in our backyard again in January 2028. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid bigger than Empire State Building set to approach Earth

Researchers in the United Kingdom are preparing to unveil the secrets of a sample of rock retrieved from the asteroid Bennu after its dust arrived at the Natural History Museum in London. Notably, the asteroid has a 1-in-1,750 chance of colliding with Earth in the next 300 years.&nbsp;

A capsule returned in late September with material collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from the near-Earth asteroid, whose 100mg sample is given to the researchers at the museum. The sample will be subjected to several tests at the museum and the Open, Manchester and Oxford universities.&nbsp;

During the extraordinary challenge, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spacecraft touched down on Bennu and collected more than 60g of untouched material, which is the largest amount — more than what was brought back during the Apollo programme.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Ashley King, a planetary scientist who will work on the grains at the museum, said: "It's amazing. It's like a little treasure trove that takes us back to the start of the solar system. I can't wait to get my hands on them and see what we can learn about the early solar system."&nbsp;

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<h2>Asteroid Bennu contains water: NASA&nbsp;</h2>

NASA last month confirmed that the sample from the asteroid Bennu contains water and carbon molecules, both are building blocks for life. This finding has offered more evidence for the theory that life on Earth was seeded from outer space.&nbsp;

Last month, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at a press event at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, that this is the biggest "carbon-rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth". &nbsp;

He added that carbon accounted for almost five per cent of the sample's total weight, and was present in both organic and mineral form. He further said that the water was locked inside the crystal structure of clay minerals.&nbsp;

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At the London Museum, the researchers will be focussed on analysing hydrogen isotopes in the water bound up in Bennu in order to find if any of them matches that found in Earth's oceans.&nbsp;

The sample will also help scientists in future to understand asteroids and establish whether or not they are dangerous; and know how to destroy or deflect or destroy them if they pose a potential threat to Earth.&nbsp;

King said: "It doesn't sound like a lot of material, but it's plenty to work with. The museum is home to one of the world's leading meteorite collections, and the staff are well-used to handling small amounts of extremely precious materials from outer space."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers in the United Kingdom are preparing to unveil the secrets of a sample of rock retrieved from the asteroid Bennu after its dust arrived at the Natural History Museum in London.

Researchers in the United Kingdom are preparing to unveil the secrets of a sample of rock retrieved from the asteroid Bennu after its dust arrived at the Natural History Museum in London. Notably, the asteroid has a 1-in-1,750 chance of colliding with Earth in the next 300 years. A capsule returned in late September with material collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from the near-Earth asteroid, whose 100mg sample is given to the researchers at the museum. The sample will be subjected to several tests at the museum and the Open, Manchester and Oxford universities. During the extraordinary challenge, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spacecraft touched down on Bennu and collected more than 60g of untouched material, which is the largest amount — more than what was brought back during the Apollo programme. As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Ashley King, a planetary scientist who will work on the grains at the museum, said: "It's amazing. It's like a little treasure trove that takes us back to the start of the solar system. I can't wait to get my hands on them and see what we can learn about the early solar system." Also read: Milestone for ISRO's AstroSat as it detects 600th gamma-ray burst Asteroid Bennu contains water: NASA NASA last month confirmed that the sample from the asteroid Bennu contains water and carbon molecules, both are building blocks for life. This finding has offered more evidence for the theory that life on Earth was seeded from outer space. Last month, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at a press event at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, that this is the biggest "carbon-rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth". He added that carbon accounted for almost five per cent of the sample's total weight, and was present in both organic and mineral form. He further said that the water was locked inside the crystal structure of clay minerals. Also read: This is what happens to astronauts' fingernails after a walk in space, and it's scary At the London Museum, the researchers will be focussed on analysing hydrogen isotopes in the water bound up in Bennu in order to find if any of them matches that found in Earth's oceans. The sample will also help scientists in future to understand asteroids and establish whether or not they are dangerous; and know how to destroy or deflect or destroy them if they pose a potential threat to Earth. King said: "It doesn't sound like a lot of material, but it's plenty to work with. The museum is home to one of the world's leading meteorite collections, and the staff are well-used to handling small amounts of extremely precious materials from outer space." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists at London Museum to study dust from Bennu asteroid and unveil secrets

A ‘lost asteroid’ has a slight possibility of impacting Earth in 2024, NASA has warned. The asteroid named 2007 FT3 is floating through space and there is a tiny chance that it might&nbsp;strike Earth&nbsp;next year.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that NASA has found an asteroid approaching Earth, and this will also not be the last. There are currently over 32,000 known near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and more than 120 known short-period near-Earth comets (NECs). Each of these space elements has the ability to cause some form of destruction to Earth if not averted successfully.&nbsp;

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Most of these known asteroids are tracked by NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). The space agency’s branch has&nbsp;estimated that the asteroid could potentially strike the planet as soon as October 2024.&nbsp;

<h2>2007 FT3: ‘Lost asteroid’ might find its way to Earth&nbsp;</h2>

In 2007, scientists spotted an object floating through space, which they named 2007 FT3. The object was revealed to&nbsp;be an asteroid but soon lost its flight path and scientists lost track of it. The asteroid had a short observation arc of only 1.2 days, after which it was not recovered despite&nbsp;targeted observations made by the scientists. The scary part is that&nbsp;it has not been seen since 2007.

NASA scientists estimate&nbsp;that this&nbsp;asteroid has probably now found its way back to Earth. They further say that there is a possibility that 2007 FT3 will hit Earth next year. But how high is the possibility? Well, NASA has quantified it.&nbsp;

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NASA suggests that 2007 FT3 has a probability of 0.0000087 per cent or 1 in 11.5 million chance of striking Earth in October 2024. There is another possibility of it striking Earth in March 2024 with the probability standing at 0.0000096 per cent, or 1 in 10 million. In both cases, the asteroid has the potential to release the energy equivalent to the detonation of 2.6 billion tons of TNT.&nbsp;

<h2>How dangerous it could be?</h2>

As per NASA’s estimates, in both cases, the amount of energy released from the collision of an asteroid and Earth can cause a considerable amount of regional destruction. However, the destruction would be weak enough to cause any global damage.

The space agency says that it will most probably strike the Earth on 5 Oct 2024.&nbsp;

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There are other asteroids as well that are approaching Earth that can potentially cause such devastation.&nbsp;

One object, known as 29075 (1950 DA), is the second riskiest rock on NASA's list. Discovered in 1950, scientists lost track of it for 50 years before finding its path once again. It has a 0.0029 per cent, or 1 in 34,500 chance of hitting Earth on March 16, 2880, a time way, way into the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

A ‘lost asteroid’ has a slight possibility of impacting Earth in 2024, NASA has warned. The asteroid named 2007 FT3 is floating through space and there is a tiny chance that it might strike Earth next year.

A ‘lost asteroid’ has a slight possibility of impacting Earth in 2024, NASA has warned. The asteroid named 2007 FT3 is floating through space and there is a tiny chance that it might strike Earth next year. This is not the first time that NASA has found an asteroid approaching Earth, and this will also not be the last. There are currently over 32,000 known near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and more than 120 known short-period near-Earth comets (NECs). Each of these space elements has the ability to cause some form of destruction to Earth if not averted successfully. Also Read | NASA posts beautiful picture of Earth's 'airglow' Most of these known asteroids are tracked by NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). The space agency’s branch has estimated that the asteroid could potentially strike the planet as soon as October 2024. 2007 FT3: ‘Lost asteroid’ might find its way to Earth In 2007, scientists spotted an object floating through space, which they named 2007 FT3. The object was revealed to be an asteroid but soon lost its flight path and scientists lost track of it. The asteroid had a short observation arc of only 1.2 days, after which it was not recovered despite targeted observations made by the scientists. The scary part is that it has not been seen since 2007. NASA scientists estimate that this asteroid has probably now found its way back to Earth. They further say that there is a possibility that 2007 FT3 will hit Earth next year. But how high is the possibility? Well, NASA has quantified it. Also Read | Scientists decode millennia-old mystery as to why red wine causes headaches NASA suggests that 2007 FT3 has a probability of 0.0000087 per cent or 1 in 11.5 million chance of striking Earth in October 2024. There is another possibility of it striking Earth in March 2024 with the probability standing at 0.0000096 per cent, or 1 in 10 million. In both cases, the asteroid has the potential to release the energy equivalent to the detonation of 2.6 billion tons of TNT. How dangerous it could be? As per NASA’s estimates, in both cases, the amount of energy released from the collision of an asteroid and Earth can cause a considerable amount of regional destruction. However, the destruction would be weak enough to cause any global damage. The space agency says that it will most probably strike the Earth on 5 Oct 2024. Also Read | Sex ritual of this bat isn't quite how mammals copulate, a video recorded in Netherlands shows There are other asteroids as well that are approaching Earth that can potentially cause such devastation. One object, known as 29075 (1950 DA), is the second riskiest rock on NASA's list. Discovered in 1950, scientists lost track of it for 50 years before finding its path once again. It has a 0.0029 per cent, or 1 in 34,500 chance of hitting Earth on March 16, 2880, a time way, way into the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid thought to be lost in space might pose threat to Earth in 2024, NASA estimates show

An asteroid, as big as an aeroplane, is hurtling towards Earth at a breakneck speed of 34,727 kilometres per hour and NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tracking this space rock. 
 
The asteroid is set to make its closest approach to Earth on November 9 when it passes at a distance of 2.4 million kilometres from the surface of the Earth.

<h2>Is the asteroid hazardous for Earth?</h2>

As per NASA, the asteroid's size is not big enough to be marked as a Potentially Hazardous Object. A celestial object which is at least 492 feet wide and passes at a distance less than 7.5 million kilometres from Earth is considered a Potentially Hazardous Object. 
 
However, Asteroid 2023 VC is only 91 feet wide which makes it as big as an aeroplane. But, even an aeroplane-sized asteroid can have a potential impact on Earth.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-worlds-nasas-telescope-hunts-down-8-super-earths-to-solve-cosmic-puzzle-656913">Alien worlds: NASA's telescope hunts down 8 'super-Earths' to solve cosmic puzzle</a>

The asteroid is part of the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are a type of Earth-crossing space rocks and have semi-major axes which are larger in comparison to that of Earth. The asteroids, which belong to this group, have been named after the humongous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was found in the 1930s by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth. 
 
This will be the first-ever close approach of Asteroid 2023 VC towards our planet in history. According to data collected by NASA, the asteroid is not likely to pass across any planet in the near future.

<h2>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory tracks asteroid's orbit</h2>

The asteroid's orbit is being tracked by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and its characteristics are being studied by them as part of their near-Earth object programme. 
 
Similar to other asteroids, Asteroid 2023 VC has also been formed through a process&nbsp;called “accretion”.

WATCH |&nbsp;Cosmic journey: Space balloons &amp; space station visit part of the tour

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The process involves&nbsp;dust specks and tiny particles colliding with each other and sticking together because of gravity in a protoplanetary disc and eventually taking the form of larger bodies like asteroids. 
 
Near-Earth objects (NEOs) like Asteroid 2023 VC are closely monitored by NASA and other space agencies to ensure they do not threaten our planet. 
 
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOs) use different methods to detect and monitor such objects, like using the Sentry system, comparing different images, funding related projects and conducting telescopic search efforts. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

An asteroid, as big as an aeroplane, is hurtling towards Earth at a breakneck speed of 34,727 kilometres per hour and NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tracking this space rock.

An asteroid, as big as an aeroplane, is hurtling towards Earth at a breakneck speed of 34,727 kilometres per hour and NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tracking this space rock. The asteroid is set to make its closest approach to Earth on November 9 when it passes at a distance of 2.4 million kilometres from the surface of the Earth. Is the asteroid hazardous for Earth? As per NASA, the asteroid's size is not big enough to be marked as a Potentially Hazardous Object. A celestial object which is at least 492 feet wide and passes at a distance less than 7.5 million kilometres from Earth is considered a Potentially Hazardous Object. However, Asteroid 2023 VC is only 91 feet wide which makes it as big as an aeroplane. But, even an aeroplane-sized asteroid can have a potential impact on Earth. ALSO READ | Alien worlds: NASA's telescope hunts down 8 'super-Earths' to solve cosmic puzzle The asteroid is part of the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are a type of Earth-crossing space rocks and have semi-major axes which are larger in comparison to that of Earth. The asteroids, which belong to this group, have been named after the humongous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was found in the 1930s by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth. This will be the first-ever close approach of Asteroid 2023 VC towards our planet in history. According to data collected by NASA, the asteroid is not likely to pass across any planet in the near future. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory tracks asteroid's orbit The asteroid's orbit is being tracked by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and its characteristics are being studied by them as part of their near-Earth object programme. Similar to other asteroids, Asteroid 2023 VC has also been formed through a process called “accretion”. WATCH | Cosmic journey: Space balloons & space station visit part of the tour The process involves dust specks and tiny particles colliding with each other and sticking together because of gravity in a protoplanetary disc and eventually taking the form of larger bodies like asteroids. Near-Earth objects (NEOs) like Asteroid 2023 VC are closely monitored by NASA and other space agencies to ensure they do not threaten our planet. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOs) use different methods to detect and monitor such objects, like using the Sentry system, comparing different images, funding related projects and conducting telescopic search efforts. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA tracks an aeroplane-sized asteroid hurtling towards Earth

NASA's Lucy mission has discovered a remarkable binary asteroid system in the first downlinked images. Initially, the two lobes of the contact binary appeared aligned during the closest approach, but additional images showed&nbsp;the system's true nature.

Earlier, the spacecraft beamed back images showing that Dinkinesh or Dinky had a satellite, its very own moon around it. Now some astounding information about this moon has come to light. This satellite orbiting Dinkinesh is not one but two conjoined space rocks, that is&nbsp;two smaller objects in contact with one another.

This means that the entire system comprises not one, or two rocks, but is actually made up of three space rocks.&nbsp;

"It is puzzling, to say the least," Hal Levison, principal investigator for Lucy, said in a statement. "I would have never expected a system that looks like this. In particular, I don't understand why the two components of the satellite have similar sizes. This is going to be fun for the scientific community to figure out."

While contact binaries are not uncommon in the solar system, observing them up close is infrequent. What makes this discovery particularly unique is that one asteroid orbits another. Dinkinesh had shown peculiar brightness variations, hinting at the presence of a satellite.

“Contact binaries seem to be fairly common in the solar system,” said John Spencer, Lucy deputy project scientist, of the Boulder, Colorado, branch of the San-Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute.

“We haven’t seen many up-close, and we’ve never seen one orbiting another asteroid. We’d been puzzling over odd variations in Dinkinesh’s brightness that we saw on approach, which gave us a hint that Dinkinesh might have a moon of some sort, but we never suspected anything so bizarre!,” he added.&nbsp;

Lucy's primary objective is to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, with the encounter with a small, main belt asteroid like Dinkinesh added in early 2023.

This served as a test of the spacecraft's tracking and imaging system during high-speed flybys.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stargazers-beware-saturns-rings-will-vanish-soon-heres-when-656374">Also read |&nbsp;Stargazers beware! Saturn's rings will vanish soon. Here's when</a>

<h2>Scientific community faces a puzzle</h2>

The binary asteroid system's characteristics have always confused scientists, especially the similarity in size between the two components of the satellite.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-oldest-black-hole-dating-back-470-million-years-after-big-bang-656068">Also read |&nbsp;Oldest black hole was formed 470 million years after Big Bang, and it has just been found</a>

The Lucy mission is currently processing additional data from the encounter. Dinkinesh and its satellite are just the first of 11 asteroids that Lucy will explore during its 12-year journey.

(With inputs from agents)

&nbsp;

NASA's Lucy mission has discovered a remarkable binary asteroid system in the first downlinked images. Initially, the two lobes of the contact binary appeared aligned during the closest approach, but additional images showed the system's true nature.

NASA's Lucy mission has discovered a remarkable binary asteroid system in the first downlinked images. Initially, the two lobes of the contact binary appeared aligned during the closest approach, but additional images showed the system's true nature. Earlier, the spacecraft beamed back images showing that Dinkinesh or Dinky had a satellite, its very own moon around it. Now some astounding information about this moon has come to light. This satellite orbiting Dinkinesh is not one but two conjoined space rocks, that is two smaller objects in contact with one another. This means that the entire system comprises not one, or two rocks, but is actually made up of three space rocks. "It is puzzling, to say the least," Hal Levison, principal investigator for Lucy, said in a statement. "I would have never expected a system that looks like this. In particular, I don't understand why the two components of the satellite have similar sizes. This is going to be fun for the scientific community to figure out." While contact binaries are not uncommon in the solar system, observing them up close is infrequent. What makes this discovery particularly unique is that one asteroid orbits another. Dinkinesh had shown peculiar brightness variations, hinting at the presence of a satellite. “Contact binaries seem to be fairly common in the solar system,” said John Spencer, Lucy deputy project scientist, of the Boulder, Colorado, branch of the San-Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute. “We haven’t seen many up-close, and we’ve never seen one orbiting another asteroid. We’d been puzzling over odd variations in Dinkinesh’s brightness that we saw on approach, which gave us a hint that Dinkinesh might have a moon of some sort, but we never suspected anything so bizarre!,” he added. Lucy's primary objective is to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, with the encounter with a small, main belt asteroid like Dinkinesh added in early 2023. This served as a test of the spacecraft's tracking and imaging system during high-speed flybys. Also read | Stargazers beware! Saturn's rings will vanish soon. Here's when Scientific community faces a puzzle The binary asteroid system's characteristics have always confused scientists, especially the similarity in size between the two components of the satellite. Also read | Oldest black hole was formed 470 million years after Big Bang, and it has just been found The Lucy mission is currently processing additional data from the encounter. Dinkinesh and its satellite are just the first of 11 asteroids that Lucy will explore during its 12-year journey. (With inputs from agents)

Asteroid Dinky's moon continues to shock scientists as latest images make startling revelation

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft flew past asteroid Dinkinesh on Nov 1, marking its first flyby since its launch. But to everyone’s surprise, asteroid Dinkinesh is not one but actually made up of two tiny space rocks. This means, Lucy has flown past two small asteroids in a single shot, making this a one-of-a-kind event in space exploration.&nbsp;

Lucy zoomed by the small asteroid Dinkinesh, also known as Dinky, on Wednesday and sent back its images to Earth. These images revealed that Dinkinesh has an even smaller space rock orbiting it, which is essentially its "satellite".&nbsp;Scientists at NASA were amazed at this discovery and called it “marvellous.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sizeable-hole-spotted-in-parachute-used-by-astronauts-landing-from-tiangong-space-station-watch-654309">China: Sizeable hole spotted in parachute used by astronauts landing from Tiangong space station. Watch</a>

Han Levinson, who is the principal investigator for Lucy from Southwest Research Institute, said, “Dinkinesh really did live up to its name; this is marvellous.” He was referring to the meaning of Dinkinesh in the Amharic language, “marvellous.”

<h2>Asteroid Dinkinesh is actually a binary unit</h2>

This discovery doesn’t come as a surprise to NASA scientists though, as the Lucy team has been wondering for quite a long time if Dinkinesh might be a binary unit, i.e., is it made up of two extremely tiny space rocks? The observation was based on Lucy's instrument’s readings as it measured a change in the brightness with time. But as the images came, all doubts were cleared.

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This is why we explore. Turns out that asteroid Dinkinesh is… asteroids Dinkinesh? During the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LucyMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LucyMission</a>’s first asteroid flyby on Nov. 1, we discovered that the main belt asteroid is a party of two, or binary pair! <a href="https://t.co/3aYWLvWmOw">https://t.co/3aYWLvWmOw</a> <a href="https://t.co/IX2ZHHtRdK">pic.twitter.com/IX2ZHHtRdK</a>
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Dinkinesh is a close binary. From a preliminary analysis of the first available images, the team estimates that the larger body is approximately 0.5 miles (790 m) at its widest, while the smaller is about 0.15 miles (220 m) in size, NASA said in a press release.

The team believe that this encounter has served as an in-flight test of the spacecraft, specifically focusing on testing the system that allows Lucy to autonomously track an asteroid while flying past at 10,000 mph. This system is referred to as the terminal tracking system.

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“This is an awesome series of images. They indicate that the terminal tracking system worked as intended, even when the universe presented us with a more difficult target than we expected,” said Tom Kennedy, guidance and navigation engineer at Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado.

The Lucy team will now take another week to completely unravel, or in this case, downlink all the data coming from the spacecraft. The team will use this data to evaluate the spacecraft’s behaviour during the encounter and to prepare for the next close-up look at the main belt asteroid, Donaldjohanson, in 2025.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft flew past asteroid Dinkinesh on Nov 1, marking its first flyby since its launch. But to everyone’s surprise, asteroid Dinkinesh is not one but actually made up of two tiny space rocks.

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft flew past asteroid Dinkinesh on Nov 1, marking its first flyby since its launch. But to everyone’s surprise, asteroid Dinkinesh is not one but actually made up of two tiny space rocks. This means, Lucy has flown past two small asteroids in a single shot, making this a one-of-a-kind event in space exploration. Lucy zoomed by the small asteroid Dinkinesh, also known as Dinky, on Wednesday and sent back its images to Earth. These images revealed that Dinkinesh has an even smaller space rock orbiting it, which is essentially its "satellite". Scientists at NASA were amazed at this discovery and called it “marvellous.” Also Read | China: Sizeable hole spotted in parachute used by astronauts landing from Tiangong space station. Watch Han Levinson, who is the principal investigator for Lucy from Southwest Research Institute, said, “Dinkinesh really did live up to its name; this is marvellous.” He was referring to the meaning of Dinkinesh in the Amharic language, “marvellous.” Asteroid Dinkinesh is actually a binary unit This discovery doesn’t come as a surprise to NASA scientists though, as the Lucy team has been wondering for quite a long time if Dinkinesh might be a binary unit, i.e., is it made up of two extremely tiny space rocks? The observation was based on Lucy's instrument’s readings as it measured a change in the brightness with time. But as the images came, all doubts were cleared. This is why we explore. Turns out that asteroid Dinkinesh is… asteroids Dinkinesh? During the #LucyMission’s first asteroid flyby on Nov. 1, we discovered that the main belt asteroid is a party of two, or binary pair! https://t.co/3aYWLvWmOw pic.twitter.com/IX2ZHHtRdK — NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) November 2, 2023 × Dinkinesh is a close binary. From a preliminary analysis of the first available images, the team estimates that the larger body is approximately 0.5 miles (790 m) at its widest, while the smaller is about 0.15 miles (220 m) in size, NASA said in a press release. The team believe that this encounter has served as an in-flight test of the spacecraft, specifically focusing on testing the system that allows Lucy to autonomously track an asteroid while flying past at 10,000 mph. This system is referred to as the terminal tracking system. Also Read | New study paints a scary scenario for when Earth passes the 1.5 degree threshold “This is an awesome series of images. They indicate that the terminal tracking system worked as intended, even when the universe presented us with a more difficult target than we expected,” said Tom Kennedy, guidance and navigation engineer at Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado. The Lucy team will now take another week to completely unravel, or in this case, downlink all the data coming from the spacecraft. The team will use this data to evaluate the spacecraft’s behaviour during the encounter and to prepare for the next close-up look at the main belt asteroid, Donaldjohanson, in 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid Dinkinesh has its own moon, pictures sent by Lucy mission show

NASA's Johnson Space Center has been struggling to open a canister which kept an asteroid sample safe during its journey through space. A month ago, pristine samples from an asteroid landed on Earth, enclosed within a tight capsule.

NASA's Johnson Space Center has been struggling to open a canister which kept an asteroid sample safe during its journey through space. A month ago, pristine samples from an asteroid landed on Earth, enclosed within a tight capsule. However, the curation team for the OSIRIS-REx mission, the first US mission to collect a sample from asteroid Bennu, has been having trouble opening the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) head. The team has been handling the TAGSAM head carefully using a specialised glovebox under the nitrogen flow to prevent contamination. In a blog post, NASA said, "After multiple attempts at removal, the team discovered that they could not remove two of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head with the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. The team has been developing and implementing new approaches to extract the material inside the head while continuing to keep the sample safe and pristine." ALSO READ | Giant solar storm to hit Earth on Oct 24: Here's how to protect yourself On the initial removal of the aluminium lid on the canister, the mission team found black dust and debris on the avionics deck. On 11 October 2023, NASA revealed the first sample collected from TAGSAM's outer covering. However, it mentioned that the team still hasn't opened the sample canister. So far, the curation team has removed some of the material from inside the canisters using tweezers. "The tools for any proposed solution to extract the remaining material from the head must be able to fit inside the glovebox and not compromise the scientific integrity of the collection, and any procedures must be consistent with the clean room's standards," NASA wrote in its blog post. ALSO READ | Human sperm is breaking one of Newton's laws of motion and the finding may be revolutionary According to NASA, the asteroid samples collected exceed the mission's goal of gathering 60 grams of debris from the asteroid. The space agency has recovered 70.3 grams of rocks and dust. The research team has also found an abundance of carbon and water molecules in the samples. Launched in September 2016, the OSIRIS-REx mission reached asteroid Bennu in December 2018. The spacecraft landed on Bennu and collected a sample from its surface in October 2020. Then, OSIRIS-REx dropped the asteroid sample in the Utah desert on 24 September 2023. Although the mission has hit a temporary block, the initial findings from the asteroid sample look promising. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A canister containing asteroid samples is giving NASA a hard time. Here's why

Millions of asteroids are floating in our solar system in the massive asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and some of them are so close to our planet, that they are deemed to be "near-Earth asteroids".

Millions of asteroids are floating in our solar system in the massive asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and some of them are so close to our planet, that they are deemed to be "near-Earth asteroids". The majority of these orbiting rocks don't attract any attention, but a handful of asteroids and their compositions have recently fascinated astrophysicists around the world. That includes scientists at NASA, who have lately been rushing to obtain asteroid samples. Also read: Scientists to delve deep into mysterious signals from 'hell-like' exoplanet using James Webb Telescope Now in the latest research, a team at the University of Arizona in Tucson while analysing an incredibly dense asteroid named 33 Polyhymnia has made a mystifying discovery. This asteroid is so dense that it may be made of naturally occurring "superheavy elements" beyond those listed in the periodic table, the research suggests. "If asteroids do indeed contain superheavy elements, it would open numerous questions surrounding how these elements were formed and why we have not discovered them outside of asteroids yet," study co-author Johann Rafelski, a physics professor at the University of Arizona, told Live Science. Also read: A radio signal took 8 billion years to reach Earth, but its source is a mystery In a study published in The European Physical Journal Plus in mid-September, researchers deduced that Polyhymnia has a measured density higher than all the elements that exist on Earth. The team identified Polyhymnia as a compact ultradense object (CUDO), indicating that it might contain superheavy components that were previously unknown to humans. In other words, it comprises elements that are not listed in the periodic table. These elements would be stable around an atomic number of 164, which is significantly more dense than osmium, the element with the most protons known to exist naturally. The team's discoveries come as NASA plans to launch unmanned spacecraft to study and potentially return samples from far-off asteroids. The space agency and the University of Arizona, with the help of Queen guitarist Brian May, recently recovered its first-ever asteroid sample that was successfully transported to Earth late last month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

This near-Earth asteroid possibly contains elements not found in the periodic table

NASA recently issued an alert about an asteroid that is approaching Earth and will be extremely near to it on Friday (Oct 20). The asteroid, designated as Asteroid 2023 TK15, will make its closest appearance to the Earth, which will be even closer than the moon, said the space agency.

The approaching space rock belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are Earth-crossing space rocks with semi-major axis larger than that of Earth. These asteroids are named after the humongous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was discovered by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth around the 1930s. NASA has kept its radar on these asteroids for a long time&nbsp;in its attempt to save the Earth from being hit by space rocks.

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<h2>Asteroid 2023 TK15</h2>

According to NASA, Asteroid 2023 TK15 will pass Earth at an extremely close distance of just 379,994 km, which is even closer than the Moon. Just to put it into perspective, the distance of the Moon from Earth is 384,400 km. Hence, it will be one of the closest asteroid approaches of the year so far.&nbsp;

The asteroid has been discovered and tracked using various advanced technological instruments, such as the NEOWISE telescope, Atacama large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), Pans-STARRS1 and Catalina Sky Survey.

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<h2>Is it dangerous?</h2>

Despite Asteroid 2023 TK15’s extremely close approach, it does not pose a threat to Earth due to its small size, as per NASA. The space agency estimates it to be around 130 feet wide, which is almost as big as an aircraft.&nbsp;

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This is not the first time that Asteroid 2013 TK15 will pass the Earth. Last year on June 18, the asteroid made a non-threatening close approach to the planet.&nbsp;

This year’s approach of Asteroid 2013 TK15 might be the last closest appearance, as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has already denied any such approaches in future.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

NASA recently issued an alert about an asteroid that is approaching Earth and will be extremely near to it on Friday (Oct 20). The asteroid, designated as Asteroid 2023 TK15, will make its closest appearance to the Earth, which will be even closer than the moon, said the space agency.

NASA recently issued an alert about an asteroid that is approaching Earth and will be extremely near to it on Friday (Oct 20). The asteroid, designated as Asteroid 2023 TK15, will make its closest appearance to the Earth, which will be even closer than the moon, said the space agency. The approaching space rock belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are Earth-crossing space rocks with semi-major axis larger than that of Earth. These asteroids are named after the humongous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was discovered by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth around the 1930s. NASA has kept its radar on these asteroids for a long time in its attempt to save the Earth from being hit by space rocks. Also Read | Bionic hand fusing with human body creates new possibilities in amputee rehabilitation Asteroid 2023 TK15 According to NASA, Asteroid 2023 TK15 will pass Earth at an extremely close distance of just 379,994 km, which is even closer than the Moon. Just to put it into perspective, the distance of the Moon from Earth is 384,400 km. Hence, it will be one of the closest asteroid approaches of the year so far. The asteroid has been discovered and tracked using various advanced technological instruments, such as the NEOWISE telescope, Atacama large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), Pans-STARRS1 and Catalina Sky Survey. Also Read | US says over 270 UFO reports recorded. Were they of foreign origin? Is it dangerous? Despite Asteroid 2023 TK15’s extremely close approach, it does not pose a threat to Earth due to its small size, as per NASA. The space agency estimates it to be around 130 feet wide, which is almost as big as an aircraft. Also Read | China working on world's largest deep sea telescope to explore cosmic rays origin This is not the first time that Asteroid 2013 TK15 will pass the Earth. Last year on June 18, the asteroid made a non-threatening close approach to the planet. This year’s approach of Asteroid 2013 TK15 might be the last closest appearance, as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has already denied any such approaches in future. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Asteroid 2023 TK15, an Apollo group space rock, will come extremely close to Earth | Details

NASA recently unveiled a sample scooped from the 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid Bennu saying it contains abundant water and carbon.

NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains ample water & carbon

NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth. This finding lends more weight to the hypothesis that foundational blocks for life on Earth was seeded from outer space.

The sample scooped&nbsp;from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid&nbsp;is the largest soil sample ever to be taken from the surface of an asteroid.

<h2>The big unveiling</h2>

Asteroid sample collected by the OSRIS-REx spacecraft three years ago was unveiled at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

This comes just a little more than two weeks after the&nbsp;sample made it to Earth. It parachuted down in the Utah desert.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-nasa-fetches-celestial-cargo-to-earth-heres-why-bennu-asteroid-samples-matter-639472">Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters</a>

"The first analysis shows samples that contain abundant water in the form of hydrated clay minerals," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in a press event.&nbsp;

"This is the biggest carbon rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth," he said, with the carbon contained in the form of both minerals and organic molecules.

<h3>Why is this asteroid sample significant?</h3>

This is only the third Asteroid sample, and by far the biggest, to return to Earth for analysis. Earlier, Japan, via its two similar missions, had retrieved the much smaller asteroid samples.

At the time of its landing, the Bennu sample, as per estimates, weighed about 100 to 250 grams (3.5 to 8.8 ounces).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-federal-aviation-administration-proposes-revolutionary-way-to-limit-human-litter-in-earths-orbit-638666">US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit</a>

Before this, both the capsule and its contents were under examination in a "clean room" at the Utah Test and Training range near the landing site.&nbsp;

Following that, the capsule was transported to the Johnson centre, where its inner canister was opened. This was done so that samples could be parcelled into smaller specimens. These specimens will go to some 200 scientists in 60 laboratories around the world, reports Reuters.

<h2>The Asteroid behind it all</h2>

The celestial samples were collected a year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999.

Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years.

The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth.

Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs.&nbsp;

Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero.

Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not take place till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth.

NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth. This finding lends more weight to the hypothesis that foundational blocks for life on Earth was seeded from outer space. The sample scooped from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid is the largest soil sample ever to be taken from the surface of an asteroid. The big unveiling Asteroid sample collected by the OSRIS-REx spacecraft three years ago was unveiled at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. This comes just a little more than two weeks after the sample made it to Earth. It parachuted down in the Utah desert. Also read | Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters "The first analysis shows samples that contain abundant water in the form of hydrated clay minerals," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in a press event. "This is the biggest carbon rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth," he said, with the carbon contained in the form of both minerals and organic molecules. Why is this asteroid sample significant? This is only the third Asteroid sample, and by far the biggest, to return to Earth for analysis. Earlier, Japan, via its two similar missions, had retrieved the much smaller asteroid samples. At the time of its landing, the Bennu sample, as per estimates, weighed about 100 to 250 grams (3.5 to 8.8 ounces). Also read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit Before this, both the capsule and its contents were under examination in a "clean room" at the Utah Test and Training range near the landing site. Following that, the capsule was transported to the Johnson centre, where its inner canister was opened. This was done so that samples could be parcelled into smaller specimens. These specimens will go to some 200 scientists in 60 laboratories around the world, reports Reuters. The Asteroid behind it all The celestial samples were collected a year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999. Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years. The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero. Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not take place till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains abundant water and carbon

NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu.&nbsp;

The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more.

<h2>Origin story</h2>

Asteroid samples, as per an AFP report, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system.&nbsp;

These materials date back around 4.5 billion years, have remained relatively intact and, as per Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris, "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-spacecraft-lands-successfully-with-largest-sample-collected-from-asteroid-639236">Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu</a>

"It's our own origin story," she said, as quoted by AFP.

NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP that it is hypothesised that by striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth."

<h2>The Asteroid behind it all</h2>

The celestial samples were collected three year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999.

Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years.

The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Scientists believe that it might contain water molecules locked in minerals.

Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs.&nbsp;

Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-federal-aviation-administration-proposes-revolutionary-way-to-limit-human-litter-in-earths-orbit-638666">US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit</a>

Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not happen till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy.

Three years back, in 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe collected samples from Bennu. The probe had landed on Bennu in 2020, four years after it was launched in 2016.&nbsp;

At the time Bennu had surprised scientists. Upon its brief contact with the asteroid, the OSIRIS-REx probe sank into Bennu's surface. This revealed to scientists that much like a children's pool filled with plastic balls, the asteroid had an unexpectedly low density.

<h2>Perilous journey</h2>

The precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826 kilometres) to touch down on Earth. Osiris-Rex released its gumdrop-shaped capsule as the mother-ship passed our planet.

As per AFP, the final 13 minutes of the descent were a fiery passage, where the capsule hurled at a speed of more than 27,000 miles an hour. During the descent, the temperatures reached up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius).

Osiris-Rex meanwhile, as per NASA, has moved on and is "on its way" for a date with another asteroid.

<h2>Tears, hope and billions of miles</h2>

Speaking at a press conference, the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta said they had high hopes from the sample.

She recalled how emotional the moment the capsule deployed was.&nbsp;

"We heard 'main chute detected," she said, adding, "I literally broke into tears."

"That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-asteroid-will-make-a-close-encounter-with-earth-on-september-21-nasa-predicts-638611">Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts</a>

NASA has managed to collect roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust samples from Bennu's surface. This is by far the largest asteroid sample collected.&nbsp;

Previously, in 2020, Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission collected a five-gram specimen from an asteroid called Ryugu. Ten years before that, in 2010, Japan had brought back a tiny sample from asteroid Itokawa.

Japan had shared a few grains from Ryugu with NASA. The samples, as per Reuters, were found to contain two organic compounds, supporting the hypothesis that celestial objects such as comets, asteroids and meteorites that bombarded early Earth seeded the young planet with the primordial ingredients for life.

<h2>How will the sample be used?</h2>

As per AFP, the sample will travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study.&nbsp;NASA is expected to release initial results at a news conference on October 11.

The space agency will use roughly one-fourth of the asteroid sample immediately to conduct experiments. It will also share small amounts of the asteroid dust with mission partners Japan and Canada.

However, NASA will save most of it for future generations. It will be, as Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, puts it, a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet."

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu. The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more.

NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu. The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more. Origin story Asteroid samples, as per an AFP report, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system. These materials date back around 4.5 billion years, have remained relatively intact and, as per Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris, "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved." Also read | Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu "It's our own origin story," she said, as quoted by AFP. NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP that it is hypothesised that by striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth." The Asteroid behind it all The celestial samples were collected three year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999. Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years. The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Scientists believe that it might contain water molecules locked in minerals. Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero. Also read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not happen till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy. Three years back, in 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe collected samples from Bennu. The probe had landed on Bennu in 2020, four years after it was launched in 2016. At the time Bennu had surprised scientists. Upon its brief contact with the asteroid, the OSIRIS-REx probe sank into Bennu's surface. This revealed to scientists that much like a children's pool filled with plastic balls, the asteroid had an unexpectedly low density. Perilous journey The precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826 kilometres) to touch down on Earth. Osiris-Rex released its gumdrop-shaped capsule as the mother-ship passed our planet. As per AFP, the final 13 minutes of the descent were a fiery passage, where the capsule hurled at a speed of more than 27,000 miles an hour. During the descent, the temperatures reached up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius). Osiris-Rex meanwhile, as per NASA, has moved on and is "on its way" for a date with another asteroid. Tears, hope and billions of miles Speaking at a press conference, the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta said they had high hopes from the sample. She recalled how emotional the moment the capsule deployed was. "We heard 'main chute detected," she said, adding, "I literally broke into tears." "That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning." Also read | Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts NASA has managed to collect roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust samples from Bennu's surface. This is by far the largest asteroid sample collected. Previously, in 2020, Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission collected a five-gram specimen from an asteroid called Ryugu. Ten years before that, in 2010, Japan had brought back a tiny sample from asteroid Itokawa. Japan had shared a few grains from Ryugu with NASA. The samples, as per Reuters, were found to contain two organic compounds, supporting the hypothesis that celestial objects such as comets, asteroids and meteorites that bombarded early Earth seeded the young planet with the primordial ingredients for life. How will the sample be used? As per AFP, the sample will travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study. NASA is expected to release initial results at a news conference on October 11. The space agency will use roughly one-fourth of the asteroid sample immediately to conduct experiments. It will also share small amounts of the asteroid dust with mission partners Japan and Canada. However, NASA will save most of it for future generations. It will be, as Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, puts it, a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters

NASA is prepared to launch Psyche, a groundbreaking mission to investigate the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche. Launch day for the mission is set for this Thursday, October 12.

NASA set to launch spacecraft to a metal-rich asteroid

Taking a first glimpse of the near-Earth asteroid Bennu's sample, the scientists stumbled upon an abundance of dark, fine-grained material on the inside part of the container's base and lid. The unexpected debris is likely to reveal key information regarding the asteroid before they analyse the primary sample.&nbsp;

The historic landing of the sample on September 24 in the Utah desert marked the culmination of NASA’s 7-year OSIRIS-Rex mission which went to asteroid Bennu from Earth, touched down on the surface of the asteroid and collected samples and then dropped the sample back to the Earth.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-spacecraft-lands-successfully-with-largest-sample-collected-from-asteroid-639236">Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu</a>

The canister was whisked away by the mission team the day after it arrived at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston which has a clean room built specially for analysing the cosmic sample.&nbsp;

<h2>What mysteries of the universe the Bennu sample can reveal?</h2>

The asteroids are remnants left out from the solar system's formation and offer insights into how those days when planets were formed and settled in an orbit. However, near-Earth asteroids always pose a threat to our planet so it is important to understand their orbits and composition. This is the best way to deflect space rocks when they are on a collision course with Earth.&nbsp;

When the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) head was used by OSIRIS-REx briefly to disturb the surface of asteroid Bennu and collect a sample in October 2020, so many materials were gathered by it that particles were seen drifting off slowly into space before the head&nbsp;

When OSIRIS-REx briefly used its TAGSAM, or Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism head, to disturb the surface of Bennu and collect a sample in October 2020, it gathered so much material that particles could be seen slowly drifting off into space before the head was put inside the canister.

WATCH |&nbsp;Asteroid dust on its way to Utah

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Hence, the scientists decided to do a quick analysis of any material they discovered upon opening the canister and they discovered plenty of it before they could reach the bulk of the sample which is kept in the mechanism head and it will take time for scientists to collect all the material.&nbsp; 
“The very best ‘problem’ to have is that there is so much material, it’s taking longer than we expected to collect it,” stated Christopher Snead, deputy OSIRIS-REx curation lead, in a statement.

“There’s a lot of abundant material outside the TAGSAM head that’s interesting in its own right. It’s really spectacular to have all that material there," he added.&nbsp;

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Taking a first glimpse of the near-Earth asteroid Bennu's sample, the scientists stumbled upon an abundance of dark, fine-grained material on the inside part of the container's base and lid.

Taking a first glimpse of the near-Earth asteroid Bennu's sample, the scientists stumbled upon an abundance of dark, fine-grained material on the inside part of the container's base and lid. The unexpected debris is likely to reveal key information regarding the asteroid before they analyse the primary sample. The historic landing of the sample on September 24 in the Utah desert marked the culmination of NASA’s 7-year OSIRIS-Rex mission which went to asteroid Bennu from Earth, touched down on the surface of the asteroid and collected samples and then dropped the sample back to the Earth. ALSO READ | Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu The canister was whisked away by the mission team the day after it arrived at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston which has a clean room built specially for analysing the cosmic sample. What mysteries of the universe the Bennu sample can reveal? The asteroids are remnants left out from the solar system's formation and offer insights into how those days when planets were formed and settled in an orbit. However, near-Earth asteroids always pose a threat to our planet so it is important to understand their orbits and composition. This is the best way to deflect space rocks when they are on a collision course with Earth. When the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) head was used by OSIRIS-REx briefly to disturb the surface of asteroid Bennu and collect a sample in October 2020, so many materials were gathered by it that particles were seen drifting off slowly into space before the head When OSIRIS-REx briefly used its TAGSAM, or Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism head, to disturb the surface of Bennu and collect a sample in October 2020, it gathered so much material that particles could be seen slowly drifting off into space before the head was put inside the canister. WATCH | Asteroid dust on its way to Utah Hence, the scientists decided to do a quick analysis of any material they discovered upon opening the canister and they discovered plenty of it before they could reach the bulk of the sample which is kept in the mechanism head and it will take time for scientists to collect all the material. “The very best ‘problem’ to have is that there is so much material, it’s taking longer than we expected to collect it,” stated Christopher Snead, deputy OSIRIS-REx curation lead, in a statement. “There’s a lot of abundant material outside the TAGSAM head that’s interesting in its own right. It’s really spectacular to have all that material there," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Unexpected discovery: Scientists stumble upon dark material in asteroid sample dropped from space

It has been 7 years since NASA launched its mission to collect samples from asteroids. The long wait for NASA capsule carrying the largest soil sample from an asteroid.

NASA's first asteroid sample reaches earth

NASA spacecraft carrying asteroid sample touches down in Utah

After seven years, a space voyage came to its climactic end on Sunday (September 24) as a NASA capsule made a safe landing in the Utah desert of the United States, carrying the largest sample ever collected from an asteroid in space. 
 
The capsule made a fiery final descent through the atmosphere of the Earth as expected with the samples collected from asteroid Bennu and parachuted into the&nbsp;Utah desert of the United States. 
 
"Touchdown of the Osiris-Rex sample return capsule. A journey of a billion miles to asteroid Bennu and back has come to an end," said a commentator on NASA's live video webcast of the landing.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-asteroid-will-make-a-close-encounter-with-earth-on-september-21-nasa-predicts-638611">Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts</a>

The sample, which was collected from asteroid Bennu in 2020, is estimated to contain some 250 grams (nine ounces) of material by the US space agency, which is more than two previous asteroid specimens which were brought back to the Earth by Japanese missions. 
 
Sharing the video of the landing, NASA wrote on X, “TOUCHDOWN! The #OSIRISREx sample capsule landed at the Utah Test and Training Range at 10:52am ET (1452 UTC) after a 3.86-billion mile journey. This marks the US's first sample return mission of its kind and will open a time capsule to the beginnings of our solar system.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TOUCHDOWN! The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OSIRISREx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OSIRISREx</a> sample capsule landed at the Utah Test and Training Range at 10:52am ET (1452 UTC) after a 3.86-billion mile journey. This marks the US's first sample return mission of its kind and will open a time capsule to the beginnings of our solar system. <a href="https://t.co/N8fun14Plt">pic.twitter.com/N8fun14Plt</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1705959691287761289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Scientists have been hopeful about the sample and have said that it is likely to provide them with more information about the solar system and how Earth turned into a habitable place. 
 
The probe, which was launched in 2016, landed on the asteroid Bennu after four years and was able to collect around nine ounces (250 grams) of dust from the asteroid's rocky surface. 
 
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that even the small amount of sample should "help us better understand the types of asteroids that could threaten Earth" and cast light "on the earliest history of our solar system.” 
 
"This sample return is really historic. This is going to be the biggest sample we've brought back since the Apollo moon rocks were returned to Earth,” said NASA scientist Amy Simon, while speaking to AFP.

<h2>NASA to announce results of the test on October 11</h2>

The capsule was released by Osiris-Rex early on Sunday, from an altitude of more than 67,000 miles (108,000 kilometres), around four hours before its landing.

WATCH |&nbsp;Asteroid dust on its way to Utah

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After the tire-sized capsule touched down in Utah, it was placed in a net by a team in protective masks and gloves from where it was airlifted by helicopter to a temporary "clean room" nearby.

The sample will be sent to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Monday. The box will be opened by the specialists in another "clean room."

The first results of the sample testing will be announced by NASA in a news conference on October 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After seven years, a space voyage came to its climactic end on Sunday (September 24) as a NASA capsule made a safe landing in the Utah desert of the United States, carrying the largest sample ever collected from an asteroid in space.

After seven years, a space voyage came to its climactic end on Sunday (September 24) as a NASA capsule made a safe landing in the Utah desert of the United States, carrying the largest sample ever collected from an asteroid in space. The capsule made a fiery final descent through the atmosphere of the Earth as expected with the samples collected from asteroid Bennu and parachuted into the Utah desert of the United States. "Touchdown of the Osiris-Rex sample return capsule. A journey of a billion miles to asteroid Bennu and back has come to an end," said a commentator on NASA's live video webcast of the landing. ALSO READ | Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts The sample, which was collected from asteroid Bennu in 2020, is estimated to contain some 250 grams (nine ounces) of material by the US space agency, which is more than two previous asteroid specimens which were brought back to the Earth by Japanese missions. Sharing the video of the landing, NASA wrote on X, “TOUCHDOWN! The #OSIRISREx sample capsule landed at the Utah Test and Training Range at 10:52am ET (1452 UTC) after a 3.86-billion mile journey. This marks the US's first sample return mission of its kind and will open a time capsule to the beginnings of our solar system.” TOUCHDOWN! The #OSIRISREx sample capsule landed at the Utah Test and Training Range at 10:52am ET (1452 UTC) after a 3.86-billion mile journey. This marks the US's first sample return mission of its kind and will open a time capsule to the beginnings of our solar system. pic.twitter.com/N8fun14Plt — NASA (@NASA) September 24, 2023 × Scientists have been hopeful about the sample and have said that it is likely to provide them with more information about the solar system and how Earth turned into a habitable place. The probe, which was launched in 2016, landed on the asteroid Bennu after four years and was able to collect around nine ounces (250 grams) of dust from the asteroid's rocky surface. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that even the small amount of sample should "help us better understand the types of asteroids that could threaten Earth" and cast light "on the earliest history of our solar system.” "This sample return is really historic. This is going to be the biggest sample we've brought back since the Apollo moon rocks were returned to Earth,” said NASA scientist Amy Simon, while speaking to AFP. NASA to announce results of the test on October 11 The capsule was released by Osiris-Rex early on Sunday, from an altitude of more than 67,000 miles (108,000 kilometres), around four hours before its landing. WATCH | Asteroid dust on its way to Utah After the tire-sized capsule touched down in Utah, it was placed in a net by a team in protective masks and gloves from where it was airlifted by helicopter to a temporary "clean room" nearby. The sample will be sent to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Monday. The box will be opened by the specialists in another "clean room." The first results of the sample testing will be announced by NASA in a news conference on October 11. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu

After a seven-year, seven-billion-km round trip to asteroid Bennu, NASA’s Osiris-Rex capsule will enter Earth’s atmosphere on Sunday (Sept 24). The capsule is carrying precious dust from the asteroid, which scientists are eager to analyse to find whether or not life evolved on young Earth only after the bombardment of asteroids.

Asteroid dust on its way to Utah

As humanity explores the possibility of life beyond Earth, there's the intriguing prospect that life might exist within our own solar system. Among the celestial bodies within our solar system, Jupiter's moon Europa stands out as one of the few that could potentially provide the right conditions for life. Watch this story to know how the existence of essential life-supporting chemicals in this ocean, notably carbon has opened new possibilities

Gravitas: A chunk of asteroid is coming to earth

NASA has revealed that an asteroid will pass Earth at an extremely close distance on Friday, September 22. According to the details by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), Asteroid 2023 RQ6 will make its first-ever approach to Earth on Friday.

NASA has revealed that an asteroid will pass Earth at an extremely close distance on Friday, September 22. According to the details by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), Asteroid 2023 RQ6 will make its first-ever approach to Earth on Friday. Its orbit will bring the asteroid as close as 6.4 million kilometres near Earth. Although this distance might seem like a lot, it is short in astronomical sense. NASA has estimated its travelling speed as 33,912 kilometres per hour. NASA has not classified the Asteroid 2023 RQ6 as a Potentially Hazardous Object because it will not impact Earth's surface despite a close call. The asteroid is approximately 75 feet wide. Thus, it is not huge enough to be classified as a Potentially Hazardous Object. It is as big as an aircraft in terms of size. ALSO READ | Scientists find new virus at depths of Pacific Ocean Asteroid 2023 RQ6 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, named after the giant 1862 Apollo asteroid, discovered by German astronomer Kerl Reinmuth in the 1930s. They are Earth-crossing space rocks with semi-major axes bigger than Earth's. Most asteroids found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter can be observed with the help of advanced ground and space-based telescopes. However, scientists at NASA have recently observed three elusive asteroids hiding behind the glare of the Sun. ALSO READ | What's the source of CO2 on Jupiter's moon Europa? Scientists finally have answers According to the latest discovery made by NASA, one of these asteroids is a large object which can be potentially hazardous to Earth. A team used the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) mounted on Victor M. Blanco's 4-metre telescope in Chile to find and observe these asteroids. It is challenging to locate celestial objects in the region around the Sun, as astronomers have to deal with the Sun's glaze. Besides Asteroid 2023 RQ6, Asteroid 2023 SJ made its closest approach to Earth on September 21. It has a width between 52 feet and 118 feet. According to a recent report by the OSIRIS-REx science team, Bennu, a near-Earth asteroid, could drift into the planet's orbit and hit the planet by September 2182. NASA has been tracking Bennu, first discovered in 1999, for 25 years. Bennu passes near Earth every six years and has had three close encounters with Earth in 1999, 2005, and 2011. (With input from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts

NASA scientists have revealed that they are in the last leg of their mission to avert a possible asteroid hitting the Earth, 159 years from now. Experts believe that the asteroid, named Bennu could hit the Earth on 24 September 2182.&nbsp;

This catastrophic event, however, has a 1 in 2,700 possibility of striking&nbsp;Earth, but experts are taking no chances and are&nbsp;concerned about the slight&nbsp;probability. So much so, that, seven years ago, NASA launched a spacecraft to Bennu in order to collect samples in the hope of obtaining some data that can help in averting the catastrophe, if and when it happens.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sea-ice-around-antarctica-recedes-to-historically-low-levels-scientists-636821">Sea ice around Antarctica recedes to historically low levels: Scientists</a>

<h2>Bennu asteroid</h2>

The asteroid was discovered back in 1999&nbsp;and passes close to Earth about every six years, as per NASA. The space rock is believed to be the same size as the Empire State Building with the force of 22 atom bombs.&nbsp;

In 2020, NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft descended on the surface of asteroid Bennu and collected rocky material&nbsp;from a sample site, named Nightingale during its Touch-and-Go (TAG) sample collection manoeuvre.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-james-webb-captures-rare-image-of-a-newborn-sun-like-star-636588">NASA's James Webb Telescope captures rare image of a newborn sun-like star</a>

Scientists believe that Bennu, an ancient relic of our solar system, has seen more than 4.5 billion years of history.&nbsp;

Naming of asteroid Bennu- Its original designation was 1999 RQ36. It was in 2013&nbsp;that the name was changed to Bennu after a third-grade student named Michael Puzio won a contest to name the asteroid.&nbsp;

<h2>NASA’s plan to avert Earth-asteroid Bennu collision</h2>

Rich Burns, project manager for OSIRIS-REx at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, told the Sunday Telegraph: “We are now in the final leg of this seven-year journey, and it feels very much like the last few miles of a marathon, with a confluence of emotions like pride and joy coexisting with a determined focus to complete the race well.”

But what is this plan that took NASA scientists seven years?

The asteroid samples from the OSIRIS-REx mission will reach Earth next week, entering the Earth’s atmosphere at around 3.42 pm BST Sunday.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/severe-covid-infection-linked-to-genes-inherited-from-neanderthal-ancestors-637046">Severe Covid infection linked to genes inherited from Neanderthal ancestors</a>

A fridge-sized capsule containing the samples will be fired to Earth from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft once it reaches a distance of 63,000 miles from the planet. It will then travel towards Earth at a speed of nearly 28,000 mph and reach temperatures twice as hot as lava.&nbsp;

Before touching down in the Utah desert, parachutes will be deployed to slow the capsule down to 11mph so it can land safely at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range southwest of Salt Lake City.

In order to avoid contaminating the samples from Bennu, the recovery team must retrieve the capsule from the ground as quickly as possible.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-first-fox-dog-hybrid-has-passed-away-636592">World's first Fox-Dog hybrid has passed away</a>

Findings from the mission might not only protect the planet from a catastrophic collision but also hold secrets about the origin of life on Earth.

The mission echoes the 1998 Bruce Willis film Armageddon. In the film, Willis stops an asteroid the size of Texas from hitting Earth by landing on it and splitting it in two with a nuclear bomb.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA scientists have revealed that they are in the last leg of their mission to avert a possible asteroid hitting the Earth, 159 years from now. Experts believe that the asteroid, named Bennu could hit the Earth on 24 September 2182.

NASA scientists have revealed that they are in the last leg of their mission to avert a possible asteroid hitting the Earth, 159 years from now. Experts believe that the asteroid, named Bennu could hit the Earth on 24 September 2182. This catastrophic event, however, has a 1 in 2,700 possibility of striking Earth, but experts are taking no chances and are concerned about the slight probability. So much so, that, seven years ago, NASA launched a spacecraft to Bennu in order to collect samples in the hope of obtaining some data that can help in averting the catastrophe, if and when it happens. Also Read | Sea ice around Antarctica recedes to historically low levels: Scientists Bennu asteroid The asteroid was discovered back in 1999 and passes close to Earth about every six years, as per NASA. The space rock is believed to be the same size as the Empire State Building with the force of 22 atom bombs. In 2020, NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft descended on the surface of asteroid Bennu and collected rocky material from a sample site, named Nightingale during its Touch-and-Go (TAG) sample collection manoeuvre. Also Read | NASA's James Webb Telescope captures rare image of a newborn sun-like star Scientists believe that Bennu, an ancient relic of our solar system, has seen more than 4.5 billion years of history. Naming of asteroid Bennu- Its original designation was 1999 RQ36. It was in 2013 that the name was changed to Bennu after a third-grade student named Michael Puzio won a contest to name the asteroid. NASA’s plan to avert Earth-asteroid Bennu collision Rich Burns, project manager for OSIRIS-REx at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, told the Sunday Telegraph: “We are now in the final leg of this seven-year journey, and it feels very much like the last few miles of a marathon, with a confluence of emotions like pride and joy coexisting with a determined focus to complete the race well.” But what is this plan that took NASA scientists seven years? The asteroid samples from the OSIRIS-REx mission will reach Earth next week, entering the Earth’s atmosphere at around 3.42 pm BST Sunday. Also Read | Severe Covid infection linked to genes inherited from Neanderthal ancestors A fridge-sized capsule containing the samples will be fired to Earth from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft once it reaches a distance of 63,000 miles from the planet. It will then travel towards Earth at a speed of nearly 28,000 mph and reach temperatures twice as hot as lava. Before touching down in the Utah desert, parachutes will be deployed to slow the capsule down to 11mph so it can land safely at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range southwest of Salt Lake City. In order to avoid contaminating the samples from Bennu, the recovery team must retrieve the capsule from the ground as quickly as possible. Also Read | World's first Fox-Dog hybrid has passed away Findings from the mission might not only protect the planet from a catastrophic collision but also hold secrets about the origin of life on Earth. The mission echoes the 1998 Bruce Willis film Armageddon. In the film, Willis stops an asteroid the size of Texas from hitting Earth by landing on it and splitting it in two with a nuclear bomb. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

An asteroid might collide with Earth in the year 2182, and scientists are working to avoid it

Almost a year has passed since NASA intentionally crashed a $300 million spacecraft into an asteroid. However, now, the asteroid is behaving unexpectedly. NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was a one-of-a-kind stunt.

Almost a year has passed since NASA intentionally crashed a $300 million spacecraft into an asteroid. However, now, the asteroid is behaving unexpectedly. NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was a one-of-a-kind stunt. They slammed a spacecraft into the space rock Dimporphos at 14,000 miles per hour on September 26, 2022. Dimorphos orbits another asteroid called Didymos. While neither object threatened Earth, the DART demonstrated that NASA could nudge an asteroid and alter its trajectory. The action might come in handy if a planetary defence scenario ever materialises. The tiny but mighty DART craft shortened Dimorphos' orbital period by about 33 minutes. However, according to a new research, Dimorphos' orbiting time has decreased by another full minute compared to NASA's numbers, New Scientist reported. A high school teacher and his students conducted the research from September to November 2022. The study said the asteroid's orbital period, initially 11 hours 55 minutes, has decreased by 34 minutes. ALSO READ | Swiss researchers engineer bacteria to generate electricity using wastewater Jonathan Swift, a math and science teacher at the Thacher School who participated in the research, said, "That was inconsistent at an uncomfortable level." He said, "We tried our best to find the crack in what we had done, but we couldn't find anything." His team presented their findings at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society in New Mexico in June, receiving positive responses. However, Dimorphos' unexpected behaviour is not a cause for alarm, as the asteroid still poses no threat to Earth. But it could teach scientists more about asteroid deflection. No other mission before DART had ever conducted a planetary defence test. Thus, Dimorphos is the only real-world example to learn from. Scientists do not have the accurate reason behind Dimorphos' unexpected behaviour. But there are some theories. One theory suggests that Dimorphos was once tidally locked to Didymos, meaning, like Earth's moon, the same side of the satellite always faced its host. However, the DART mission might have changed its alignment, causing Dimorphos to tumble around as the system's tidal forces changed its orbit. If this theory is true, Dimorphos will likely settle back into a tidally locked state over time, a DART team member said. If the new study is accurate, it won't be the first unintended consequence of NASA's DART mission. Researchers have been learning more about the effects of the spacecraft's crash at Dimorphos over the past year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NASA hit this asteroid months back and now something weird is happening

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is working on its final preparations for the landing on Earth of a precious asteroid sample next month. NASA teams with the OSIRIS-REx mission completed a vital test on Wednesday (August 30) by collecting a mock capsule that had fallen to Earth in the desert west of Salt Lake City at the Utah Test and Training Range of the US Department of Defence.&nbsp;

The process was part of the mission's final major test prior to the arrival of the actual capsule on September 24. The final preparations were a significant test before the actual capsule with its sample of the asteroid Bennu, acquired in space over three years ago.&nbsp;

Nicola Fox, who is the associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, said: "We are now mere weeks away from receiving a piece of solar system history on Earth, and this successful drop test ensures we're ready."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-believe-an-earth-like-planet-might-hiding-in-our-solar-system-631433">Scientists believe an Earth-like planet might hiding in our solar system</a>&nbsp;

Fox said, "Pristine material from asteroid Bennu will help shed light on the formation of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago, and perhaps even on how life on Earth began."&nbsp;

This drop test comes after a number of practice runs earlier this spring and summer, including capsule retrieval, spacecraft engineering operations and sample preservation processes.&nbsp;

The OSIRIS-REx crew is now getting ready for the actual delivery with less than four weeks till the spacecraft's arrival.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/global-heating-worsening-the-dangers-of-high-altitude-mountaineering-warn-experts-631416">Global heating worsening the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, warn experts</a>

Dante Lauretta, the principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona, Tucson, said: "I am immensely proud of the efforts our team has poured into this endeavor. Just as our meticulous planning and rehearsal prepared us to collect a sample from Bennu, we have honed our skills for sample recovery."&nbsp;

NASA said that an estimated 8.8 ounces of rocky material were taken on board the capsule in 2020 from the surface of the asteroid Bennu.&nbsp;

In the coming years, the sample will be examined by researchers to learn more about the formation of our solar system, our planet, and the genesis of the organic materials that may have given rise to life on Earth. &nbsp;

Rich Burns, the project manager for OSIRIS-REx at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said: "We are now in the final leg of this seven-year journey, and it feels very much like the last few miles of a marathon, with a confluence of emotions like pride and joy coexisting with a determined focus to complete the race well."&nbsp;

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is working on its final preparations for the landing on Earth of a precious asteroid sample next month. NASA teams with the OSIRIS-REx mission completed a vital test on Wednesday (August 30) by collecting a mock capsule that had fallen to Earth in the desert west of Salt Lake City at the Utah Test and Training Range of the US Department of Defence.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is working on its final preparations for the landing on Earth of a precious asteroid sample next month. NASA teams with the OSIRIS-REx mission completed a vital test on Wednesday (August 30) by collecting a mock capsule that had fallen to Earth in the desert west of Salt Lake City at the Utah Test and Training Range of the US Department of Defence. The process was part of the mission's final major test prior to the arrival of the actual capsule on September 24. The final preparations were a significant test before the actual capsule with its sample of the asteroid Bennu, acquired in space over three years ago. Nicola Fox, who is the associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, said: "We are now mere weeks away from receiving a piece of solar system history on Earth, and this successful drop test ensures we're ready." Also read: Scientists believe an Earth-like planet might hiding in our solar system Fox said, "Pristine material from asteroid Bennu will help shed light on the formation of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago, and perhaps even on how life on Earth began." This drop test comes after a number of practice runs earlier this spring and summer, including capsule retrieval, spacecraft engineering operations and sample preservation processes. The OSIRIS-REx crew is now getting ready for the actual delivery with less than four weeks till the spacecraft's arrival. Also read: Global heating worsening the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, warn experts Dante Lauretta, the principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona, Tucson, said: "I am immensely proud of the efforts our team has poured into this endeavor. Just as our meticulous planning and rehearsal prepared us to collect a sample from Bennu, we have honed our skills for sample recovery." NASA said that an estimated 8.8 ounces of rocky material were taken on board the capsule in 2020 from the surface of the asteroid Bennu. In the coming years, the sample will be examined by researchers to learn more about the formation of our solar system, our planet, and the genesis of the organic materials that may have given rise to life on Earth. Rich Burns, the project manager for OSIRIS-REx at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said: "We are now in the final leg of this seven-year journey, and it feels very much like the last few miles of a marathon, with a confluence of emotions like pride and joy coexisting with a determined focus to complete the race well." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA making final preparations for asteroid sample delivery by spacecraft this month

Jupiter isn't just another gas blob floating in space in our Solar System. It is the biggest planet that revolves around the sun. It is also the only planet in the Solar System which came close to being a star. Thankfully for us, it didn't.

But this is not the only good thing about Jupiter. The gas giant, along with Saturn, is believed by scientists to be actively protecting the inner planets in the Solar System.

More on this in a short while.

A celestial body has collided with Jupiter. It was a small celestial body compared to the gigantic size of Jupiter but it is likely to be proportionally bigger when compared with Earth.

Space.com has reported that the collision took place at 1:45 am&nbsp;Japan Standard Time on Aug. 29.

An account associated with the Organised Autotelescopes for Serendipitous Event Survey (OASES) project and the Planetary Observation Camera for Optical Transient Surveys (PONCOTS) system posted about the collision on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;

The collision caused a tiny flash in Jupiter's atmosphere.

An account named 'MASA Planetary Log' later posted footage on X that showed a brief burst of light associated with the collision.

Another independent observation was made by am amateur astronomer in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou in Henan province.&nbsp;

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きのうのTLで知った木星の閃光、撮影したデータを確認してみたら写っていました。 
…声が出ました(^^; 
日本時間2023年8月29日1:45、世界時28日16:45です。<a href="https://t.co/UYhnvAmA63">https://t.co/UYhnvAmA63</a><a href="https://t.co/Y7nCHtJq4k">https://t.co/Y7nCHtJq4k</a> <a href="https://t.co/g0FerdyoVg">pic.twitter.com/g0FerdyoVg</a>
— MASA Planetary Log (@MASA_06R) <a href="https://twitter.com/MASA_06R/status/1696613936534360293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The OASES account on X posted a high-res image of Jupiter at the time of the collision.

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8月29日1時45分(日本時間)に木星表面で発生した閃光について、多くの皆様から観測報告をいただきました。ご協力感謝いたします。 
現時点までにアマチュア観測家の皆様からご提供いただいた動画データを使用して、閃光が発生した瞬間の木星の高解像度画像を作成しました。 <a href="https://t.co/yHIp6VMUas">pic.twitter.com/yHIp6VMUas</a>
— 京都大学OASES/PONCOTSプロジェクト (@OASES_miyako) <a href="https://twitter.com/OASES_miyako/status/1697120198204195152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This brings us back to the discussion on how Jupiter protects the inner solar system and may even be responsible for flourishing life on Earth.

The huge gravity of Jupiter attracts asteroids and comets that are hurtling towards the inner Solar System, perhaps on a collision course with some planet (even Earth!). These space rocks may be huge by our perception but when compared to Jupiter, they are pretty tiny. So the gas giant gobbles them up like its nobody's business and continues on its path around the Sun as if nothing major has happened, and plays our protector in a way.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
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Jupiter isn't just another gas blob floating in space in our Solar System. It is the biggest planet that revolves around the sun. It is also the only planet in the Solar System which came close to being a star.

Jupiter isn't just another gas blob floating in space in our Solar System. It is the biggest planet that revolves around the sun. It is also the only planet in the Solar System which came close to being a star. Thankfully for us, it didn't. But this is not the only good thing about Jupiter. The gas giant, along with Saturn, is believed by scientists to be actively protecting the inner planets in the Solar System. More on this in a short while. A celestial body has collided with Jupiter. It was a small celestial body compared to the gigantic size of Jupiter but it is likely to be proportionally bigger when compared with Earth. Space.com has reported that the collision took place at 1:45 am Japan Standard Time on Aug. 29. An account associated with the Organised Autotelescopes for Serendipitous Event Survey (OASES) project and the Planetary Observation Camera for Optical Transient Surveys (PONCOTS) system posted about the collision on X (formerly Twitter). The collision caused a tiny flash in Jupiter's atmosphere. An account named 'MASA Planetary Log' later posted footage on X that showed a brief burst of light associated with the collision. Another independent observation was made by am amateur astronomer in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou in Henan province. きのうのTLで知った木星の閃光、撮影したデータを確認してみたら写っていました。 …声が出ました(^^; 日本時間2023年8月29日1:45、世界時28日16:45です。https://t.co/UYhnvAmA63https://t.co/Y7nCHtJq4k pic.twitter.com/g0FerdyoVg — MASA Planetary Log (@MASA_06R) August 29, 2023 × The OASES account on X posted a high-res image of Jupiter at the time of the collision. 8月29日1時45分(日本時間)に木星表面で発生した閃光について、多くの皆様から観測報告をいただきました。ご協力感謝いたします。 現時点までにアマチュア観測家の皆様からご提供いただいた動画データを使用して、閃光が発生した瞬間の木星の高解像度画像を作成しました。 pic.twitter.com/yHIp6VMUas — 京都大学OASES/PONCOTSプロジェクト (@OASES_miyako) August 31, 2023 × This brings us back to the discussion on how Jupiter protects the inner solar system and may even be responsible for flourishing life on Earth. The huge gravity of Jupiter attracts asteroids and comets that are hurtling towards the inner Solar System, perhaps on a collision course with some planet (even Earth!). These space rocks may be huge by our perception but when compared to Jupiter, they are pretty tiny. So the gas giant gobbles them up like its nobody's business and continues on its path around the Sun as if nothing major has happened, and plays our protector in a way. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

A cosmic body bigger than the Earth just collided with Jupiter. Here's what happened

A newly-designed algorithm for discovering near-Earth asteroids, in its first, identified a "potentially hazardous asteroid," said the researchers from the University of Washington, in a statement.&nbsp;

The algorithm, which is called HelioLinc3D and was partially developed by researchers from the University of Washington, still is in its testing phase.&nbsp;

The "potentially hazardous" asteroid, which has been named 2022 SF289, is 600 feet long and was found while the algorithm was being tested in Hawaii. Scientists later confirmed that the asteroid "poses no risk to Earth for the foreseeable future."&nbsp;

Eventually, the algorithm will be used at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which is a &nbsp;survey telescope constructed in Chile. The observatory has multiple goals, which include mapping the Milky Way, probing dark energy and dark matter, and it is likely to begin operating in early 2025, according to the press release of the university.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nasa-unveils-the-trajectory-of-five-asteroids-approaching-earth-610988">NASA unveils the trajectory of five asteroids approaching Earth</a>

According to expectations, the observatory will "dramatically increase the discovery rate" of items like asteroids. The observatory will only require to look at spots twice per night in the night sky and not four times as needed in the case of telescopes, an advancement which means it can "scan the sky unprecedentedly quickly."&nbsp;

However, the new speed meant that a new type of discovery algorithm needed to be created by the researchers, because of which HelioLinc3D was eventually developed.&nbsp;

The algorithm will be able to find asteroids in Rubin's dataset, and the existing data was studied by the developers of the algorithm with too few observations to be usable by conventional algorithms.&nbsp;

<h2>'Potentially hazardous'&nbsp;asteroid 2022 SF289&nbsp;</h2>

This was one of those data sets through which the "potentially hazardous" asteroid 2022 SF289 was discovered by the algorithm.&nbsp;

Through older technology, the asteroid has been observed multiple times on different nights but because it was never observed four times in one night, hence, scientists failed to properly identify it.&nbsp;

The algorithm, by combining the multiple observations, made the discovery. In the additional observations, the discovery was confirmed and it was found that the closest approach of the asteroid will bring it within 140,000 miles of Earth's orbit, placing it closer than the moon.

WATCH |&nbsp;Numerous asteroids fast moving towards the Earth

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"This is just a small taste of what to expect with the Rubin Observatory in less than two years, when HelioLinc3D will be discovering an object like this every night," stated Rubin scientist Mario Juric, director of the DiRAC Institute, professor of astronomy at the University of Washington and leader of the team behind HelioLinc3D.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"But more broadly, it's a preview of the coming era of data-intensive astronomy. From HelioLinc3D to AI-assisted codes, the next decade of discovery will be a story of advancement in algorithms as much as in new, large, telescopes," Juric added.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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A newly-designed algorithm for discovering near-Earth asteroids, in its first, identified a "potentially hazardous asteroid," said the researchers from the University of Washington, in a statement.

A newly-designed algorithm for discovering near-Earth asteroids, in its first, identified a "potentially hazardous asteroid," said the researchers from the University of Washington, in a statement. The algorithm, which is called HelioLinc3D and was partially developed by researchers from the University of Washington, still is in its testing phase. The "potentially hazardous" asteroid, which has been named 2022 SF289, is 600 feet long and was found while the algorithm was being tested in Hawaii. Scientists later confirmed that the asteroid "poses no risk to Earth for the foreseeable future." Eventually, the algorithm will be used at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which is a survey telescope constructed in Chile. The observatory has multiple goals, which include mapping the Milky Way, probing dark energy and dark matter, and it is likely to begin operating in early 2025, according to the press release of the university. ALSO READ | NASA unveils the trajectory of five asteroids approaching Earth According to expectations, the observatory will "dramatically increase the discovery rate" of items like asteroids. The observatory will only require to look at spots twice per night in the night sky and not four times as needed in the case of telescopes, an advancement which means it can "scan the sky unprecedentedly quickly." However, the new speed meant that a new type of discovery algorithm needed to be created by the researchers, because of which HelioLinc3D was eventually developed. The algorithm will be able to find asteroids in Rubin's dataset, and the existing data was studied by the developers of the algorithm with too few observations to be usable by conventional algorithms. 'Potentially hazardous' asteroid 2022 SF289 This was one of those data sets through which the "potentially hazardous" asteroid 2022 SF289 was discovered by the algorithm. Through older technology, the asteroid has been observed multiple times on different nights but because it was never observed four times in one night, hence, scientists failed to properly identify it. The algorithm, by combining the multiple observations, made the discovery. In the additional observations, the discovery was confirmed and it was found that the closest approach of the asteroid will bring it within 140,000 miles of Earth's orbit, placing it closer than the moon. WATCH | Numerous asteroids fast moving towards the Earth "This is just a small taste of what to expect with the Rubin Observatory in less than two years, when HelioLinc3D will be discovering an object like this every night," stated Rubin scientist Mario Juric, director of the DiRAC Institute, professor of astronomy at the University of Washington and leader of the team behind HelioLinc3D. "But more broadly, it's a preview of the coming era of data-intensive astronomy. From HelioLinc3D to AI-assisted codes, the next decade of discovery will be a story of advancement in algorithms as much as in new, large, telescopes," Juric added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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