Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
last yr.

NASA's DART Mission Alters Asteroid's Orbit, Reveals Rubble-Pile Structure

The successful impact on Dimorphos by NASA's DART spacecraft has reshaped the asteroid and provided valuable insights for planetary defense.

Overview

  • NASA's DART mission reshaped the asteroid Dimorphos, altering its orbit and surface composition.
  • The impact caused global deformation of Dimorphos, suggesting it has a loose, rubble-pile structure.
  • Close-up images from the CubeSat LICIACube reveal complex debris patterns, indicating a weak interior of Dimorphos.
  • The findings could improve future asteroid deflection efforts and contribute to planetary defense strategies.
  • Upcoming ESA mission Hera will provide further insights into the DART impact's effects on Dimorphos.