Small-Body Database Lookup

Early data from Vera C. Rubin Observatory reveals over 11,000 new asteroids

Using preliminary data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, scientists have discovered over 11,000 new asteroids. The data were confirmed by the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center (MPC), making this the largest single batch of asteroid discoveries submitted in the past year. The discoveries were made using data from Rubin's early optimization surveys and offer a powerful preview of the observatory's transformative impact on solar system science.

RAMSES mission: RPS and MARIE to investigate asteroid Apophis' passage through Earth's magnetosphere

The RAMSES space probe is a replica of ESA's Hera mission, with minor modifications to the spacecraft and some new instruments. Like Hera, RAMSES will also deploy two small satellites: the CubeSats 'Farinella' and 'Don Quijote'.

Dynamical development of strength and stability of asteroid material under 440 GeV proton beam irradiation - Nature Communications

Understanding asteroid materials is critical for determining deflection methods for planetary defense. Here the authors show, via experiments performed in High-Radiation to Materials facility at CERN, that iron-rich asteroid materials can absorb more energy without structural failure than standard material parameters would suggest.

Apophis flyby in 2029 will be the first time a potentially hazardous asteroid has been visible to the naked eye

In 2029, asteroid Apophis will skim safely past Earth, where it will be visible to billions. For scientists, it's a once-in-a-millennium planetary experiment.