A Peanut-Shaped Asteroid Found by NASA Radar: Is It a Binary Asteroid?
On March 25, 2021, NASA's Goldstone Solar System Radar detected a peanut-shaped asteroid named 2020 GE. This unusual shape, combined with its unusual rotation, has led scientists to believe that this could be a binary asteroid, a system of two asteroids orbiting each other.
What Makes 2020 GE So Special?
2020 GE is not your typical asteroid. Its peanut shape and rotation are what make it stand out. The asteroid spins on its axis every 15 hours, with a distinctive wobble that resembles a top. The rotation rate and the wobble are both unusual for a single asteroid.
The key feature that suggests 2020 GE might be a binary asteroid is its shape. This peanut-shaped form is characteristic of binary asteroids that are so close together they are touching, almost like a dumbbell. As the two asteroids rotate, they form this distinct peanut shape.
Why Is This Discovery Important?
This discovery is important for several reasons:
- Understanding the evolution of asteroids: By studying binary asteroids like 2020 GE, scientists can learn more about how asteroids form and evolve.
- Potential for future missions: Binary asteroids could be potential targets for future space missions, as they offer unique insights into the early solar system.
- Improving our understanding of potentially hazardous objects: The study of near-Earth objects like 2020 GE helps us better understand the threat posed by asteroids and comets that could potentially impact Earth.
How Was 2020 GE Discovered?
2020 GE was first discovered on April 14, 2020, by the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. However, it was the Goldstone Solar System Radar that revealed its unusual shape and rotation. The radar, located in the Mojave Desert in California, uses powerful radio waves to bounce signals off asteroids and other celestial objects, providing detailed information about their size, shape, rotation, and surface features.
What's Next for 2020 GE?
Scientists will continue to observe 2020 GE using radar and telescopes to gain further insights into its nature. Future observations could confirm if it is indeed a binary asteroid and provide more detailed information about its composition and evolution.
This discovery highlights the ongoing work being done by NASA to explore the vast and mysterious world of asteroids. By studying these cosmic remnants, we can unlock secrets about the early solar system and gain a better understanding of our place in the universe.
