Asteroids
Latest about Asteroids
$100,000 quadrillion asteroid Psyche may be rusting, James Webb telescope reveals
By Deepa Jain published
A new James Webb Space Telescope analysis of the giant, metal-rich asteroid Psyche reveals signs of hydration in the form of rust. This could help pin down the mysterious rock's origins.
Over 350 asteroids have hidden moons, Gaia space telescope finds
By Robert Lea published
The European Space Agency's Gaia space telescope has found evidence of more than 350 previously unknown moons orbiting asteroids within our solar system.
NASA shuts down down asteroid-hunting NEOWISE telescope as the sun drags it to its doom
By Brandon Specktor published
NASA's asteroid-hunting NEOWISE space telescope will soon plunge into Earth's atmosphere and burn to bits. Here's a look back at its epic mission that defied all expectations.
Weird, 'watermelon shape' asteroids like Dimorphos and Selam may finally have an explanation
By Abha Jain published
New research finds why some asteroids have weird, watermelon-shaped moons trapped in orbit around them, contrary to what typical asteroid formation theories predict.
NASA discovers secret moon orbiting nearby 'planet killer' asteroid after recent close approach to Earth
By Harry Baker published
New NASA images of a mountain-size, "planet killer" asteroid that made its closest approach to Earth last month have revealed a surprise companion circling the massive space rock.
Earth's gravity knocked pyramid-size asteroid off course during recent ultra-close flyby, NASA images reveal
By Harry Baker published
New photos of the recently discovered asteroid 2024 MK, which zoomed past Earth in late June, reveal that the massive space rock's orbit has been significantly altered by its close approach to our planet.
Newly discovered asteroid larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza will zoom between Earth and the moon on Saturday
By Brandon Specktor published
On Saturday (June 29), an asteroid larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza will fly past Earth at about three-quarters the distance from Earth to the moon. The asteroid, named 2024 MK, poses no risk to our planet.
Mountain-size 'planet killer' asteroid will make a close approach to Earth today — and you can watch it live
By Harry Baker last updated
Shorty after 4 p.m. ET today (June 27), the mountain-size asteroid 2011 UL21 will come within 5 million miles of Earth, making it one of the largest space rocks to come that close to our planet for 125 years. Here's how to watch the close encounter live, or see it with a telescope.
No, NASA hasn't warned of an impending asteroid strike in 2038. Here's what really happened.
By Harry Baker published
Experts from NASA and other international organizations recently simulated their response to a hypothetical asteroid impact scenario. The test was deemed a success. However, several media outlets have misreported the group's findings.
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