Where is asteroid 2005 yu55

Kamizuka 2 , T. Nakamura 6 , K. Asano 2 , M. Uchiyama 2 , M. Konishi 2 , M. Yoneda 7 , T. Ootsubo 8 , F. Usui 5 , Y. Yoshii 2 , M. Kidger 9 , B. Altieri 9 , R. Surprisingly, however, the new measurements indicate that is has to be smaller than previously thought. Depending on its orientation the scientists estimate about m for the object's diameter retrograde or about m prograde. In any case the minor planet has to be smaller than the m diameter derived from Nasa radar observations in The rest is absorbed and converted to infrared radiation.

This indicates a dark, carbonaceous surface consistent with a previous classification as C-type object. Here the reconstructed temperature distribution of the asteroid is shown, where the model was based Size and thermal performance were determined from the PACS observations.

The thermal properties seem to be very similar to the ones found for Itokawa, a small body visited by the Japanese mission Hayabusa , which turned out to be a rubble pile. Scientists eagerly awaited the close encounter all the same, since it's providing an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about the asteroid and its orbit. Photos and videos of asteroid YU55 released by NASA just before and during the flyby revealed the space rock to be a relatively round but lumpy object.

The aim is to get a better idea of YU55's size, surface features, rotational period and orbit, researchers said. Astronomers have already determined that the asteroid poses no threat to Earth for at least the next century, but observations made during this close approach should help them predict its movements even further into the future.

NASA has already released a new image of YU55 taken by the big Goldstone antenna, with many more surely on the way. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Comments 0. Top Stories. Frustration, defiance in village to be abandoned to the sea Nov 11, PM. Missing Hawaii girl's adoptive parents arrested and charged with murder Nov 11, AM.

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