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A new study shows that the Taurid cluster contains fewer large asteroids than expected, indicating a lower threat level. This finding, from observations with the Zwicky Transient Facility
A new study shows that the Taurid cluster contains fewer large asteroids than expected, indicating a lower threat level. This finding, from observations with the Zwicky Transient Facility telescope, informs both planetary defense strategies and our understanding of how comets and asteroids evolve.
Astronomers have promising news about potentially dangerous near-Earth asteroids: There aren’t as many asteroids as previously thought.
A research team led by the University of Maryland investigated the stream of cosmic debris known as the Taurid Swarm drifting near Earth, using the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) telescope to scan large areas of the sky. Believed to be fragments of a large comet called Enke, the Taurid Swarm emerges from Earth as spectacular meteor showers every October and November. This field has long fascinated astronomers with its ability to hide dangerous asteroids, but so far scientists have been unable to confirm or deny the existence of such dangers.
The team shared their findings at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society Planetary Sciences Division in October 2024. Encouraging findings about asteroid threats
“When this asteroid swarm approached Earth, we took advantage of the rare opportunity that allowed us to more effectively search for objects that could pose a threat to our planet,” said Quanqi Ye, co-investigator and co-director of the project. in the UMD Department of Astronomy. “Our findings show that the risk of a collision with a large asteroid in the Taurid cluster is much lower than we thought, which is great news for protecting the planet.”
Before this study, researchers assumed that the Taurid Swarm contained a significant number of large, kilometer-sized space rocks left behind by a large object possibly up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) across. Large objects such as the Chelyabinsk asteroid, which hit Russia in 2013 and injured more than 1,600 people, can cause regional damage if they collide with Earth. Even larger objects can cause extinction-level events, such as the asteroid that killed more than 66 dinosaurs. Millions of years ago, the true size of the Taurid herd is revealed.
“Fortunately, we found that there are probably only a few asteroids in the cluster (perhaps as few as nine to 14) that fit this large class,” Ye explained. The initially created swarm was probably closer to 10 kilometers in diameter rather than a massive 100 kilometer object. “While we still need to be alert for asteroid impacts, we can probably sleep better knowing these consequences.”
According to Yeh, the Taurid cluster holds important clues about planetary evolution, especially through its relationship with Comet Encke. Having one of the shortest orbital periods (the time required to complete one revolution around the Sun) of all known comets at only 3.3 years, Enke is also unusually large and dusty for a short-period comet (orbiting around the Sun). 200 years or less). Considering all available evidence, scientists believe that Encke has experienced significant fragmentation in the past and may continue to fragment similarly in the future.
“Studying the Taurid cluster helps us understand how small celestial bodies such as comets and asteroids form and decay over time,” Ye said. “Our research has implications not only for asteroid detection and planetary protection, but also for our broader understanding of objects.” solar system”.
While the study’s findings are encouraging, the team believes they also underscore the need for sustained attention and improved detection capabilities. Using advanced instruments such as the ZTF telescope, which can efficiently scan the sky and track potentially dangerous near-Earth objects, researchers plan to make follow-up observations of the Taurida asteroid swarm when it passes near Earth again in the coming years.
“We have opportunities to further improve our results in 2025 and 2026,” Ye said, “As a result, we are excited to continue this important work.”
Source: Port Altele
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