Massive Boulders Ejected by DART Mission Could Complicate Future Asteroid Deflection

NASA’s DART mission successfully deflected an asteroid but also unleashed high-velocity boulders with unexpected momentum. These chaotic ejecta may alter asteroid spin and orbit, complicating future deflection strategies. A new study highlights the importance of accounting for such forces in planetary defence. ESA’s Hera mission will further investigate the aftermath when it reaches Dimorphos in 2026.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/Y4s2V7Z