[ad_1]
NASA is warning of five space rocks en route to Earth this week, as the Japanese space agency completed a deposit of the world’s first subterranean asteroid material, before continuing its planetary defense reconnaissance mission.
The Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has clocked five asteroids directed towards Earth’s vicinity, each measuring more than 20 meters in diameter, starting with the 21-meter XB1 2020 which will fly over the planet at a safe distance of 3 , 1 million kilometers (considered “ close ” by astronomical standards) on December 7.
Then, on Tuesday, December 8, 2018, the PK21 (22 meters) and the 33-meter WK3 2020 (about half the wingspan of a 747) will increase to 4.6 and 3.8 million kilometers, respectively.
The next day, with a diameter roughly half the height of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the 26-meter XD 2020 will fly 4.8 million kilometers.
Also on rt.com
Unknown space object just flew over Earth and scientists still don’t know what it is
On December 11, asteroid 2020 VC7 will be at the rear, measuring 55 meters or the same height as the Leaning Tower of Pisa at a distance of 5.6 million kilometers.
While all of these (relatively) close calls are underway, researchers at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will analyze the world’s first subsurface samples of asteroids, which landed safely in the Australian Outback. this weekend and could provide clues to the origin of the solar system and the arrival of life on Earth.
The Hayabusa2 probe successfully ejected a small 40-centimeter (15-inch) capsule from an altitude of 220,000 kilometers (136,700 miles) on Saturday, with valuable cargo taken from the distant asteroid Ryugu, located about 300 million kilometers away ( 180 million miles). a way.
Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, who is now on a six-month mission aboard the ISS, tweeted to say he spotted the capsule as it made its way towards Earth as it passed the station .
“I just spotted # hayabusa2 from #ISS! Unfortunately not bright enough for a portable camera, but I enjoyed looking at the capsule! “ said a jubilant Noguchi.
The underground rock, which scientists hope will be largely unaffected by space radiation, will undergo a preliminary safety inspection at an Australian laboratory before being shipped to Japan.
“We will examine whether Ryugu is a potential source of organic matter and water on Earth at the time of the formation of the solar system, and whether these remain intact on the asteroid,” Australian National University space rock expert Trevor Ireland said.
Also on rt.com
Asteroid the size of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa heading towards Earth at 90,000 km / h
Meanwhile, the Hayabusa2 spacecraft, which spent 1.5 years in Ryugu, has already embarked on a new expedition to another distant asteroid, 1998KY26, on a journey that is expected to last 10 years. Part of this next mission will be to explore ways to prevent meteorites from hitting Earth.
Do you like this story? Share it with a friend!
[ad_2]
Source link