Urgent Alert: Hidden Asteroids Near Venus Could Pose a Threat to Earth, New Study Reveals

Twenty years ago, Congress asked NASA to locate 90% of near-Earth asteroids that could potentially threaten our planet. Since then, astronomers have made significant strides in tracking these rocks. However, a recent study has revealed a new concern: a group of asteroids orbiting around Venus could pose risks to Earth.

These "Venus co-orbitals" follow a similar path around the Sun as Venus, but they are not just harmless travelers. According to a paper under review for the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, there may be many more of these asteroids than the 20 already known. Some of them might be difficult to detect.

Valerio Carruba, a researcher from the University of São Paulo, led this study. He and his team believe that many of these asteroids go unnoticed because they are often hidden by the Sun’s glare. Current ground-based telescopes have limitations due to periodic observation windows and the Sun’s position. The new Vera Rubin Observatory, set to start operations in July 2025, may help spot some of these elusive objects, but it likely won’t catch them all.

These asteroids are categorized as potentially hazardous if they are larger than 460 feet (140 meters) and come within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earth’s orbit. The researchers simulated the orbits of these asteroids over 36,000 years and found that a significant number could come dangerously close to Earth.

Interestingly, the orbits of these Venus co-orbitals have a "Lyapunov time" of about 150 years, meaning their paths become unpredictable in a relatively short time frame when viewed cosmically. Detecting them early is crucial for planetary defense, as even small asteroids can release enough energy on impact to flatten cities.

Experts in planetary science agree that understanding these asteroids is essential. Any information we gather could help us devise strategies to mitigate potential impacts. There is a growing consensus that space-based telescopes could be the key to monitoring asteroids more effectively.

In summary, while we have come a long way in tracking near-Earth asteroids, the Venus co-orbitals present a new challenge. Addressing this issue requires advanced tools and innovative thinking. Keeping a close watch on these asteroids could be vital for ensuring the safety of our planet.

For more in-depth information, you can access the preprint of the research paper on arXiv here.

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