Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Astronomers from MIT have identified the smallest asteroids ever detected in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The research unveils 138 new decameter-sized asteroids, as small as 10 meters across.
This discovery marks a leap in asteroid detection capabilities, which were previously limited to spotting objects at least one kilometer in diameter. The newfound smaller asteroids highlight the hidden population of space debris within the main belt.
Unlike larger asteroids that strike Earth infrequently, these smaller ones could pose regular threats. Historical events, such as the Tunguska explosion (1908) and Chelyabinsk meteor (2013), underscore the potential dangers of such objects entering Earth's atmosphere.
Researchers employed a method called "shift and stack," which processes faint objects by reducing background noise from celestial bodies. This technique enabled them to uncover smaller asteroids within JWST images and data from the SPECULOOS survey.
Lead researcher Artem Burdanov highlighted the method’s significance for planetary defense, allowing precise tracking of near-Earth objects (NEOs) long before they approach Earth. This capability enhances early warning systems for potential impacts.
The team suggests these smaller asteroids might have formed through collision cascades within the main asteroid belt. Their discovery sheds light on the dynamic processes shaping asteroid populations.
By applying this detection method to JWST images of the TRAPPIST-1 system, the researchers revealed not only known asteroids but also a wealth of previously undetected ones. This opens up new avenues for understanding asteroid dynamics.
The findings represent a major advancement in monitoring and studying asteroid populations. The new technique provides tools to address potential threats while offering insights into the composition and behavior of these celestial objects.