asteroid
Latest about asteroid
![Asteroid in space.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T6X3ijtfDzZxEASPawKotf-320-80.jpg)
The 8 most Earth-shattering asteroid discoveries of 2023
By Brandon Specktor published
This year was one of the biggest ever for asteroid science, with NASA's triumphant return from asteroid Bennu, the grand reveal of organic molecules from asteroid Ryugu, a close look at the gory aftermath of an asteroid collision, and more.
![An artist's illustration of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft poised to land on the asteroid Bennu.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cur28rN9WEuiWz9YSG6foD-320-80.jpg)
Editor's pick: The top space stories of 2023
By Brandon Specktor published
Aliens made headlines in 2023, but are we really any closer to finding life beyond Earth? A recap of the best new evidence, and other remarkable stories from the year in space.
![This graphic shows the orbits of all the known Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs), numbering over 1,400 as of early 2013.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MSbS6dRu9umA7er4XQrMkP-320-80.jpg)
Earth's intense gravity may rip space rocks apart, reducing the risk of 'planet killer' asteroids
By Abha Jain published
Earth and other terrestrial planets probably use their gravitational forces to tear apart asteroids ― but this creates more streams of smaller asteroids.
![A view of the outside of the OSIRIS-REx sample collector. Sample material from asteroid Bennu can be seen on the middle right. Scientists have found evidence of both carbon and water in initial analysis of this material. The bulk of the sample is located inside.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mMxyi9Adfo6ErcNyaTqd78-320-80.jpg)
'What is that material?': Potentially hazardous asteroid Bennu stumps scientists with its odd makeup
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Scientists found signs of organic molecules in the first samples of potentially hazardous asteroid Bennu, as well as a 'head scratching' material that has yet to be identified.
![The sample sent to the UK's Natural History Museum is just a small slice of the regolith collected from Bennu.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WV6Hr8jUkBGQNQfZD869WF-320-80.jpg)
Sample of 'potentially hazardous' asteroid Bennu, which may contain the seeds of life, arrives in UK for analysis
By Ben Turner published
A sample from the asteroid Bennu, collected by the OSIRIS-REx mission, has arrived at London's Natural History Museum for analysis. Scientists are optimistic that it could contain the seeds of life.
![Any asteroid larger than 165 feet (50 m) across is capable of breaching Earth's atmosphere and striking the ground. The sun's glare could be blinding us to thousands of them.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h872vkfuPpyhSdzqNnEW9M-320-80.jpg)
'Planet killer' asteroids are hiding in the sun's glare. Can we stop them in time?
By Brandon Specktor published
In the glare of the sun, an unknown number of near-Earth asteroids move on unseen orbits. A new generation of space telescopes could be our best defense against potential disaster.
![This image shows the asteroid Dinkinesh and its satellite as seen by the Lucy Long-Range Reconnaissance Imager (L’LORRI) as NASA's Lucy Spacecraft departed the system.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eCbX46rnAhj2AjbdqWy4yH-320-80.jpg)
Newfound 'moon' around asteroid Dinkinesh is actually two tiny moons touching
By Joanna Thompson published
Additional images from NASA's Lucy mission reveal that the "moon" orbiting asteroid Dinkinesh is actually a contact binary, made of two smaller moons touching.
![This image shows the "moonrise" of the satellite as it emerges from behind asteroid Dinkinesh as seen by the Lucy Long-Range Reconnaissance Imager (L'LORRI), one of the most detailed images returned by NASA's Lucy spacecraft during its flyby of the asteroid binary. This image was taken at 12:55 p.m. EDT (1655 UTC) Nov. 1, 2023, within a minute of closest approach, from a range of approximately 270 miles (430 km). From this perspective, the satellite is behind the primary asteroid.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fyCAP6UPkSwxsWVpGkGyrP-320-80.jpg)
NASA flyby of "Dinky" asteroid reveals hidden moon
By Brandon Specktor published
NASA's Lucy spacecraft has found a hidden asteroid "moon" swirling around the larger main belt asteroid Dinkinesh, affectionately known as Dinky.
![NASA scientists opening the OSIRIS-REx sample lid after the capsul's return to Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JCC9bDaFvpjNtxzbAtFqqG-320-80.jpg)
NASA reveals 1st sample collected from potentially hazardous asteroid Bennu to public — and it may contain the seeds of life
By Ben Turner published
The sample from the asteroid Bennu, collected by the OSIRIS-REx mission, was unveiled at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., on Friday.
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