Goldstone Planetary Radar Observes Peanut-Shaped Asteroid

What is the Goldstone Planetary Radar?

The Goldstone Planetary Radar is a powerful radar system located in California's Mojave Desert. It is used to study asteroids, comets, and other objects in our solar system.

The radar works by sending out a signal and then listening for the echo that bounces back from the object. This allows scientists to determine the object's size, shape, and other characteristics.

What is a Peanut-Shaped Asteroid?

A peanut-shaped asteroid is an asteroid that has an elongated, peanut-like shape. These asteroids are relatively rare, but they are of interest to scientists because they may provide clues about the formation of our solar system.

Goldstone Radar Observes Peanut-Shaped Asteroid

In 2023, the Goldstone Planetary Radar observed a peanut-shaped asteroid called 2014 JO25. This asteroid is about 1,000 feet (300 meters) in diameter and has a peanut-like shape with two distinct lobes.

The Goldstone radar observations provided scientists with a detailed look at 2014 JO25's shape and surface features. The radar data also allowed scientists to determine that the asteroid is rotating rapidly, completing one rotation every 4.5 hours.

Significance of the Observation

The Goldstone radar observations of 2014 JO25 are significant because they provide new insights into the formation of peanut-shaped asteroids.

Scientists believe that peanut-shaped asteroids are formed when two smaller asteroids collide and merge together. The collision process can create an elongated, peanut-like shape.

The Goldstone radar observations of 2014 JO25 provide evidence to support this theory. The radar data shows that the asteroid has a two-lobed shape, which is consistent with the idea that it was formed by the merger of two smaller asteroids.