Learning to Know asteroid from "Peanuts" Itokawa
During this time it is known, it is an object asteroid composed by metal, rock, ice, and elements that are not easily found on Earth. But what's behind the asteroid? How is the structure? What constituent material and how it was formed?
The Researchers have conducted research in various ways. For example, through observations made by Stephen Lowry and his team, in the near-Earth asteroids (25 143) Itokawa by using the New Technology Telescope (NTT) ESO, in the Observatory La Silla, Chile.
Measurement of rotational speed and rate of change of the rotation successfully done after examining the image of Itokawa taken NTT since 2001-2013. Image study conducted to measure the brightness variations as the asteroid Itokawa the bean-shaped rotating. The data is then used to measure the rotation period and the change rate of rotation.
After that, the astronomers also combine existing data with the knowledge of the shape of the asteroid Itokawa. The results of Japan's Hayabusa spacecraft visit in 2005 reveal the bean shape of the asteroid Itokawa. From where astronomers can study the composition of the inner asteroid, which turned out to have the core of a complex arrangement. Not only that, it is known also that every part on the asteroid Itokawa have different densities.
How asteroid rotated?
Rotation asteroids and other small objects in space influenced by many things, one of which sunlight. This phenomenon is known as effects-Radzievskii Yarkovsky-O'Keefe-Paddack (YORP). YORP phenomenon occurs when the light from the Sun radiated back from the surface of an object in the form of heat.
If the irregular shape of the object as well as asteroids, the heat radiated from the surface of the asteroid will not be uniform, causing torque on the object that caused the change in the rate of rotation.
The calculations show, slowly YORP effect causes the acceleration of the rate of rotation of the asteroid Itokawa. As a result, changes in the rotation period amounted to 0.045 seconds each year. The pace of change is very small but it is different than previously thought. Allegedly these differences occur because of different densities between the two parts of the asteroid Itokawa.
How does an asteroid formed?
Source: langitselatan, spaceref, sci-news.
There are several possible causes of an object ends up as an asteroid. Small objects that could harm the Earth is supposedly formed from the collapse of a large object as a result of the collision that happened or is formed from a collection of small rocks that are bound by gravity.
For the asteroid Itokawa, the observations show that the asteroid was formed from the merger of two asteroids. Knowledge related to the formation of asteroids become an important component in studying the properties of the asteroid and how he moves and interacts with other objects in space.
Interior condition asteroid diverse and heterogeneous it has implications on the model of the formation of double asteroids and provide information that can help reduce the danger of an asteroid collision with Earth.
Not only that, the information obtained can also be used to plan a trip visit to an asteroid in the future. To be sure, the ability to study the inner structure of the asteroid is a step forward which could lead astronomers to uncover the secrets of this mysterious object.
Source: langitselatan, spaceref, sci-news.
