Key changes will make hazard prediction better — not that we need to worry yet.
, reporting the objects with calculated orbits most at risk to Earth.
But Sentry-II also includes a key upgrade that will make its assessments more accurate: taking into account theThe Yarkovsky effect happens when sunlight is absorbed by the surface of the asteroid and re-emitted as heat. This heat emission has a subtle, but powerful effect on the path of an asteroid through space — and may affect the space rock's probability of hitting Earth.
Astronomers have known about the Yarkovsky effect for decades, however, it's only recently that computer software became powerful enough to handle analyzing the effect on large datasets. Sentry-II will allow JPL to assess potential impacts with odds as small as a few chances in 10 million, the agency said.
"The fact that Sentry couldn't automatically handle the Yarkovsky effect was a limitation," Davide Farnocchia, a JPL navigation engineer who also helped develop Sentry-II, said in aThe lack of Yarkovsky calculations in the original Sentry system meant that astrophysicists had to do manual analyses every time they ran across a"special case" asteroid, Farnocchia noted.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Remembering NASA Engineer Jerry Woodfill, the Inspiration Behind '13 Things That Saved Apollo 13' - Universe TodayJerry Woodfill, an engineer who worked diligently behind the scenes during NASA’s Apollo program, has passed away at age 79. Jerry was still employed by the Johnson Space Center (JSC) at the time of his death, working there for over 57 years. Most notably, Jerry worked as the lead engineer behind the Caution and Warning … Continue reading 'Remembering NASA Engineer Jerry Woodfill, the Inspiration Behind “13 Things That Saved Apollo 13”'
Leer más »
NASA sets February launch date to test Artemis moon rocketThe first rocket designed to carry astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years is fully assembled in Florida, prompting NASA to announce a launch date.
Leer más »
Tonga eruption equivalent to hundreds of Hiroshimas, NASA saysThe scale of the destruction from the January 15 undersea eruption was still unclear since communications with remote islands were knocked out.
Leer más »
EUR/USD Forecast: Sellers eye 1.1270 as euro stays below key resistanceEURUSD has lost its recovery momentum after meeting resistance at 1.1330. Greenback continues to find demand as investors seek refuge. Investors await CB Consumer Confidence Index data from the US. Forecast forex FX Trading
Leer más »
NASA delays launch of its first space tourism mission to ISS | Digital TrendsSeveral issues have prompted NASA and Axiom Space to delay the first U.S.-organized space tourism trip to the International Space Station by about a month.
Leer más »
NASA Spinoffs Help Fight Coronavirus, Clean Pollution, Grow Food, MoreDid you know that NASA_Technology designed to explore space is also making our lives better back on Earth? From winter coats to COVID-fighting air purifiers, check out some of the latest innovations in our newest edition of NASASpinoff:
Leer más »