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New Threat to Earth? MIT discovers 138 new asteroids similar to 2013 Russia meteor that injured thousands


Published on 2024-12-12 07:42:19 - moneycontrol.com
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  • Astronomers at MIT have detected the smallest asteroids ever, measuring just 10 metres across, using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and innovative imaging techniques.

The article from Moneycontrol discusses a significant astronomical discovery by researchers at MIT, who have identified 138 new asteroids with orbits similar to the Chelyabinsk meteor that exploded over Russia in 2013, injuring around 1,500 people. This discovery was made using data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) at the Palomar Observatory. These asteroids, known as "Chelyabinsk-like" objects, are part of the Apollo group, which are near-Earth asteroids that cross Earth's orbit. The study highlights the potential threat these objects pose, as they are difficult to detect due to their size and the fact that they approach Earth from the direction of the sun. The findings underscore the need for enhanced asteroid detection and tracking systems to mitigate future risks from such celestial bodies.

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