On January 21, 2024, Earth experienced a rare event when an asteroid, 2024 BX1, crashed into the planet’s atmosphere. The impact caused it to explode in the sky over Berlin, Germany. Unlike most small asteroids that collide with Earth, scientists were able to detect asteroid 2024 BX1 about three hours before impact due to its unprecedented rotation speed of 50,000 km/h and rotation period of just 2.588 seconds.
The rotation speed of this near-Earth object was so high that it broke the previous record held by asteroid 2020 HS7, which rotated once every 2.99 seconds. Asteroids typically rotate due to various reasons such as being ejected back into space after a collision or due to gravitational forces from nearby celestial bodies. However, small asteroids tend to rotate faster than large ones because they are more compact and have endogenous strength that allows them to spin faster.
Maxime Devogèle, a physicist at the University of Central Florida and the lead author of the research on this topic, explained how they were able to determine the rotation speed of asteroid 2024 BX1. They analyzed images taken as it approached Earth and developed a new technique based on those images to determine its rotation speed accurately. According to their findings, asteroid 2024 BX1 rotates once every 33,000 rotations per day or about two times per hour – an unparalleled achievement in astronomy and astrophysics research.
Understanding the rotation speed of near-Earth objects is critical for developing strategies to mitigate their potential risks on people and infrastructure. By studying these objects’ behavior in detail, scientists can gain insights into their movement patterns and predict their trajectories accurately. This knowledge can help us prepare for any future encounters with these objects and ensure our safety as we continue exploring beyond our planet’s borders.
In conclusion, the detection of asteroid 2024 BX1 before impact was a remarkable feat in itself, but its unprecedented rotation speed makes it even more noteworthy. Its study has provided us with valuable insights into the behavior of near-Earth objects and has set a new benchmark for future research in this area.
The discovery of this information can aid humanity in preparing for any future encounters with these celestial bodies while ensuring our safety as we continue exploring beyond our planet’s borders.
