Millions of asteroids zip around our solar system, remnants from its early days. Most of the time, astronomers keep a close eye on them, especially those that come near Earth. But what if they miss one?
This is a real concern with “twilight” asteroids. These are tricky to detect because they hide behind the Sun’s glare. One such asteroid, 2025 SC79, recently caught attention. It’s not just any asteroid; it’s the second-fastest known, moving around the Sun in just 128 days, according to a recent report from Carnegie Science.
### Hiding in Plain Sight?
Scott Sheppard, an astronomer at Carnegie Science, first spotted 2025 SC79 using the Dark Energy Camera on the Blanco 4-meter Telescope last September. Further observations with the Gemini and Magellan telescopes confirmed the find.
Measuring about 2,300 feet (700 meters) across, 2025 SC79 is nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building. Its considerable size and swift orbit make it a “planet killer” asteroid. Sheppard has been searching for such asteroids because of their potential threat.
### A Blind Threat
“The most dangerous asteroids are the most difficult to detect,” Sheppard explains. Most asteroids are spotted in the dark of night, but those near the Sun can only be seen at twilight. This makes them harder to track, creating unique challenges for astronomers.
If these twilight asteroids come too close to Earth, they could pose serious risks. Sheppard emphasizes the need for preemptive research to understand these objects better. “Many asteroids come from two main belts of space rocks, but disturbances can send them tumbling into orbits that make them harder to find,” he adds.
Understanding how these asteroids reach their current paths could not only help protect our planet but also reveal secrets about the history of our solar system.
### The Importance of Monitoring
Recent studies show that approximately 25,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs) have been identified, but experts believe many remain untracked. In fact, a 2021 survey found that only about 40% of potentially hazardous asteroids have been detected. As civilization grows and expands its reach into space, keeping tabs on these cosmic travelers becomes crucial.
In conclusion, as we venture further into the cosmos, the insights we gain from studying asteroids like 2025 SC79 can help safeguard our future. Understanding their behavior not only helps us prepare for potential threats but also enriches our knowledge of the universe around us.
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