Odd Body in Asteroid Belt with 6 Tails

In summary, Hubble has captured images of an asteroid with six comet-like tails, a new phenomenon known as an "Active Asteroid." Scientists are still trying to understand if it is spinning, breaking up, or if there are more objects like it. Some theories suggest it may have been involved in a recent collision or is experiencing mass shedding due to solar radiation.
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  • #2
cool

the term "Active Asteroid' is a new one for me.
Never heard of or seen as asteroid with a tail before

Dave
 
  • #3
I suspect it was involved in a 'recent' collision.
 
  • #4
My friend Harvey says it looks like someone's been using it for target practice!

Other reports have it that it's a confused comet. Certainly, it is an exciting new wonder of nature.

Observers are trying to learn if it is spinning, breaking up, or if there are more of them.

Not long ago, Hubble spotted a peculiar X-shaped object, thought to be the result of a collision, although alternative ideas are not ruled out.
http://www.spacetelescope.org/news/heic1016/
 
Last edited:
  • #5
http://hubblesite.org/pubinfo/pdf/2013/52/pdf.pdf
Here is the paper on P/2013 P5 from Astrophysical Journal Letters.
The authors hypothesize the body is showing rotational mass shedding, presumably due to torques imposed from solar radiation.
 

1. What is an "odd body" in the asteroid belt?

An "odd body" in the asteroid belt refers to a celestial object that displays unusual characteristics or behavior compared to other asteroids in the region. This could include a unique shape, composition, or orbit.

2. How many tails does this odd body have?

This odd body in the asteroid belt has six tails, which is a very rare and fascinating phenomenon. Typically, comets are the only celestial objects known to have tails, but this odd body has been observed to have six distinct tails.

3. What could be causing the six tails on this odd body?

The six tails on this odd body in the asteroid belt are most likely caused by a combination of factors, including its composition, rotation, and proximity to the Sun. It is possible that the odd body is made up of different materials than traditional asteroids, which could result in the formation of multiple tails when heated by the Sun.

4. How did scientists discover this odd body in the asteroid belt?

This odd body was most likely discovered through observations made by telescopes, either on Earth or in space. Scientists constantly monitor the asteroid belt for any changes or anomalies, and this odd body was most likely spotted during one of these routine observations.

5. Is this odd body a threat to Earth?

No, this odd body in the asteroid belt is not a threat to Earth. It is located in the asteroid belt, which is a region between Mars and Jupiter, and its orbit does not intersect with Earth's orbit. Therefore, it poses no danger to our planet.

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