A Nasa mission that collided with an asteroid didn’t just leave a dent – it reshaped the space rock
The mission provided details about how to deflect an asteroid should one threaten Earth in future.
Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University •
conversation
Feb. 26, 2024 • ~7 min
Feb. 26, 2024 • ~7 min
NASA's robotic prospectors are helping scientists understand what asteroids are made of – setting the stage for miners to follow someday
Upcoming NASA missions will help scientists understand the composition of asteroids – which could inform companies one day hoping to commercially mine asteroids.
Valerie Payré, Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Iowa •
conversation
Nov. 2, 2023 • ~6 min
Nov. 2, 2023 • ~6 min
Asteroids in the solar system could contain undiscovered, superheavy elements
Scientists have been searching Earth’s surface for superheavy elements too difficult to make in the lab, but now, many are looking to the skies instead.
Johann Rafelski, Professor of Physics, University of Arizona •
conversation
Oct. 27, 2023 • ~8 min
Oct. 27, 2023 • ~8 min
Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren't the most expensive materials used in science
Some space rocks you can get for free – if you know how to identify them. Rarer materials cost more, and the asteroid sample NASA just brought back has a high price tag.
Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona •
conversation
Oct. 24, 2023 • ~9 min
Oct. 24, 2023 • ~9 min
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