All articles tagged with #impact simulation
New research suggests Jupiter's core was formed gradually through planetary growth rather than by a giant impact, revealing a dilute core structure that blends into surrounding layers, challenging previous theories and providing insights into planetary formation processes.
A new study suggests that the heart-shaped formation on Pluto's surface, known as Tombaugh Regio, was likely formed in a slow-motion, glancing collision with an icy rock wider than Kansas is long. Using computer simulations, researchers determined that the impact likely originated from an oblique collision, leading to its elongated shape, and did not result in the melting of Pluto's icy core. The study also suggests that Pluto's heart does not require a subsurface ocean to explain its position near the equator.
NASA's DART spacecraft successfully altered the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos by intentionally crashing into it, causing "global deformation" and reshaping the entire asteroid. The impact changed Dimorphos' orbital period by about 32 to 33 minutes, providing valuable insights for potential asteroid deflection techniques. Researchers used impact simulations to determine that Dimorphos is a rubble pile held together by weak gravity, and the impact transformed its shape, kicking out 1% of its mass into space and shifting 8% of its mass. The findings will prepare astronomers for future missions to better understand the effects of asteroid deflection technology.
Scientists are studying the aftermath of NASA's successful test of the DART spacecraft, which collided with the asteroid Dimorphos to slightly deflect its trajectory. By analyzing the debris and ejecta from the impact, researchers aim to understand the behavior of asteroids and refine asteroid deflection techniques for future planetary defense. The study revealed that the impact created a cloud of shrapnel, including boulders up to 7 meters in diameter, carrying away a significant amount of mass. The findings suggest that models used for comets could be applied to impactors like DART. Additionally, researchers are exploring the idea of using large bullet-shaped interceptors to penetrate an asteroid's core and pulverize it, potentially preventing a catastrophic impact.