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On May 25, 2019, a strange double asteroid (1999 KW4) flew over the Earth at a speed and speed that could make many people nervous. As always, there was no danger, since the asteroid crossed the Earth at a minimum distance of 5.2 million km, 15 times greater than the distance between the Earth and the Moon, and its orbit is well understood by scientists.
As a result, the overflight provided an ideal opportunity for the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) to conduct a cross-organizational observation of the 1999 asteroid KW4 as it flew close to Earth. The European European Observatory (ESO) took part in this campaign and managed to capture some images of the object with the help of the Very Large Telescope (VLT).
Discovered in 1999 by the Lincoln Geostationary Asteroid Research Project (LINÉAR), the 1999 KW4 is classified as a potentially dangerous Near-Earth Object (NEO). Measuring approximately 1.3 km (0.8 mi) wide, this asteroid has a tiny moon – S / 2001 (66391) 1 – with a diameter of approximately 360 m (1180 ft) and revolves around its primary all the 16 hours at a distance of about 2.6 kilometers (1.6 mi).
For its part in the observation campaign of the IAWN network, ESO relied on the high-contrast exoplanet spectro-polarimetric instrument of the VLT (SPHERE). Thanks to its state-of-the-art Adaptive Optics (AO) system, SPHERE is one of the few
Since SPHERE was designed to observe distant exoplanets, the AO system is essential because it corrects the turbulence of the Earth's atmosphere. It allows the Earth-based VLT Observatory to capture images as sharp as those taken by space telescopes. It is also equipped with coronographs, a technology that reduces the glare of bright stars to observe the low reflecting atmosphere of exoplanets in orbit.
The data collected by SPHERE on KW4 1999 allowed astronomers to characterize the double asteroid, putting an end to their efforts to search for exoplanets. This included obtaining information on the composition of the asteroid and its moon to see if they were forming from the same larger body or if the smallest object was captured somewhere on the course. As ESO astronomer Olivier Hainaut explains in a recent ESO press release:
"These data, combined with all those obtained from other telescopes during the IAWN campaign, will be essential for evaluating effective deflection strategies in the event that an asteroid is on a collision course with the Earth. In the worst case, this knowledge is also essential for predicting how an asteroid could interact with the Earth's atmosphere and surface, allowing us to limit damage in the event of a collision. "
Capturing the double asteroid with SPHERE was not an easy task, as it passed the Earth at more than 70,000 km / h (43,500 mph) when capturing images. Nevertheless, SPHERE's unique capabilities have allowed astronomers to obtain the sharpest images ever taken from 1999 KW4. As such, the team was particularly enthusiastic once she saw the images corrected by the OA and felt that all of their work was worth it.
Mathias Jones, a VLT astronomer involved in the campaign, explained these difficulties:
"During the observations, the atmospheric conditions were a bit unstable. In addition, the asteroid was relatively weak and was moving very fast in the sky, making these observations particularly difficult and causing the AO crash several times. It was great to see that our hard work is bearing fruit despite the difficulties! "
This brief flyby comes just one month before Asteroid Day, an official United Nations day for asteroid education and awareness to be celebrated on June 30th. ESO is one of many organizations worldwide that will participate in the festivities and organize activities on the topic of asteroids in the center of ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor in Garching, Germany.
Although 1999 KW4 is not a threat of impact, its recent flight over the Earth has provided scientists with an opportunity to repeat what they would do in the event of a dangerous NEO approaching Earth. They have actually shown that
In addition, the 1999 KW4 surveillance was a good practice because of its striking resemblance to another binary asteroid (Didymos) that could pose a threat to the Earth in the distant future. This asteroid and his companion ("
After its launch (currently scheduled for July 2021), this NASA spacecraft will have an impact
The success of these missions depends on the collaborative relationships that exist between space agencies such as NASA and ESA. In addition, the tracking of objects close to the Earth is possible thanks to the collaboration of organizations like ESO and ESA, who have conducted their first successful monitoring effort. a potentially dangerous NEO in early 2014.
As Xavier Barcons, Director General of ESO, said:
"We are delighted to play a role in protecting the Earth from asteroids. In addition to using the sophisticated capabilities of the VLT, we are collaborating with ESA to create prototypes for a large network to advance the detection, tracking and characterization of asteroids."
Until giant laser dies, space-launched missiles, or orbital defense platforms become a reality, information is the primary means by which planetary defense takes place. By staying alert and monitoring objects that periodically cross Earth's orbit, we make sure we never get caught by a blow and – God forbid! – massive impact.
Be sure to watch this video of the 1999 KW4 asteroid, courtesy of ESO:
Further reading: ESO
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