Odd Body in Asteroid Belt with 6 Tails

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the discovery of an unusual asteroid, designated P/2013 P5, which exhibits six comet-like tails, a phenomenon categorized as an "Active Asteroid." Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope suggest that this body may have experienced a recent collision, leading to its current state. The tails are hypothesized to result from rotational mass shedding due to solar radiation torques. Researchers are investigating the asteroid's spin dynamics and potential fragmentation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of "Active Asteroids" and their characteristics
  • Familiarity with Hubble Space Telescope observations
  • Knowledge of rotational mass shedding and its implications
  • Basic concepts of solar radiation pressure and its effects on celestial bodies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the classification and characteristics of Active Asteroids
  • Study the mechanics of rotational mass shedding in celestial objects
  • Explore the impact of solar radiation on asteroid dynamics
  • Review the findings from the Astrophysical Journal Letters regarding P/2013 P5
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and space enthusiasts interested in the dynamics of asteroids and the implications of recent discoveries in the asteroid belt.

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cool

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

Dave
 
I suspect it was involved in a 'recent' collision.
 
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:
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.
 

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