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Tag: asteroid shape

Posted on September 10, 2021September 10, 2021 by Evan Gough

Why are Rubble Pile Asteroids Shaped Like Diamonds?

The asteroid Bennu from a distance of 24 km (15) miles captured by the PolyCam on OSIRIS-REx. The spacecraft has detected water on Bennu. On the bottom right in the termination line is the large boulder. The image is a mosaic constructed of 12 images. Image Credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona.

Scientists are fortunate enough to have detailed, close-up views of the near-Earth asteroids Bennu and Ryugu. Both asteroids have a diamond shape, for some reason. Why? Up until now, it’s been a puzzle.

Now a team of scientists has tackled the question and may have come up with the answer.

Continue reading “Why are Rubble Pile Asteroids Shaped Like Diamonds?”
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