Revolutionary Dynamics-Based Method Estimates the Age of ‘Lucy’s Baby’: Implications for Our Understanding of Asteroids and Binary Systems

A team of researchers from Cornell University have developed a new method to estimate the age of an asteroid called “the baby of Lucy” using dynamics, or how the asteroid pair moves in space. This method complements traditional dating methods based on surface craters and does not require expensive close-up images. It can also be applied to secondary bodies in other binary systems, representing 15% of near-Earth asteroids.

The age of the asteroid helps researchers understand the population of asteroids as a whole and is remarkably young compared to the age of the solar system. The new method developed by the researchers helps determine the age of this unique system and improve pre-existing calculations.

The binary system is a complex and fascinating object where gravity and radiation forces are constantly at play. The new method could help constrain the ages of other binary systems, advancing our understanding of how these systems are continuously formed. NASA’s mission Lucy is set to study Trojan asteroids in Jupiter’s orbit in 2027, further contributing to our knowledge of asteroids and their ages.

Lucy, which is named after an ancient Egyptian queen, was discovered in 2016 by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and is believed to be about 3 billion years old. However, this new method suggests that it may actually be younger than previously thought.

The baby of Lucy is just one example of how much we still have left to learn about these fascinating celestial objects. With continued research and exploration, our understanding of asteroids will only continue to grow, providing us with valuable insights into their formation, evolution, and potential threats to Earth.

In conclusion, this new method provides a valuable tool for estimating the age of an asteroid using dynamics instead of relying solely on traditional surface crater dating methods. The application of this technique has significant implications for our understanding