NEW TELESCOPE FINDS OVER 2,000 NEW ASTEROIDS
In just its first test run, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile discovered 2,104 new asteroids, showing it will become the strongest asteroid finder in human history. The discovery includes seven asteroids close to Earth, and while these space rocks won’t destroy our planet, they could pose a threat if they were on a collision course. This new telescope could lead to many future discoveries that help scientists better understand the solar system.
The Rubin Observatory uses the world’s largest digital camera and a unique scanning strategy to catch fast-moving objects in our solar system. By photographing the same area of the sky twice within 20 minutes, astronomers can see small movements made by asteroids, which helps predict their paths by the slight shift in placement.
The observatory is part of a $1.6 billion project funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. Over the next decade, in the main asteroid belt and 89,000 new asteroids near Earth.
Rubin’s discoveries are not just about exploration. They could play a big role in protecting Earth. While astronomers are confident that no dinosaur-killing-sized asteroid is heading our way soon, smaller ones can still destroy a city. Less than half of the estimated 25,000 near-Earth asteroids at least 460 feet wide have been found.
By 2035, Rubin’s data may help find up to 70% of these asteroids, giving Earth more time to respond to any objects that could collide with the planet.
Rubin will also help scientists find active asteroids, which are space rocks with tails like comets that orbit between Jupiter and Neptune. “This is like a brand-new field,” said Dr. Meg Schwamb. “Most people aren’t monitoring asteroids because it’s hard to get enough telescope time. Rubin will change that.” What he means is that asteroid research is limited now due to a lack of telescope access, but the Rubin Observatory will revolutionize the field by providing more and better data.
It may even help solve one of astronomy’s biggest questions: Is there a Planet Nine? This is an important topic because if there is a planet Nine, we will be able to conduct more research on the planet, which can lead to more discoveries. Some scientists believe a giant, hidden planet may exist beyond Neptune. It’s thought to orbit far beyond the known planets and can’t be seen without powerful telescopes. If the telescope is good enough, Rubin could detect it during its first year of operation.
