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Yarkovsky Effect On Asteroid Detected

Posted by michael on from the nifty-science dept.

Henry writes "New Scientist is reporting that a JPL team has measured the recoil effect of an asteroid caused by the Sun in the process of re-emission of absorbed sunlight as heat. Astronomers believe this phenomenon, known as the Yarkovsky Effect, has brought asteroids - which are otherwise mainly located in and near the belt - towards Earth. This effect on asteroids was previously predicted, but this is the first proof."

3 of 19 comments (clear)

  1. That damn first law... by TwistedGreen · · Score: 2, Funny

    It'll mean the death of all of us.

    Though the second law will probably get us far sooner.

    More conclusive proof that the universe abhors life. It's just so negentropic.

  2. For a minute... by breon.halling · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... I thought they were talking about the Yakov Effect.

    --
    "Yeah, well, Dracula called and he's coming over tonight for you and I said okay."
  3. From the Oval Office by borroff · · Score: 5, Funny

    The White House's immediate reaction was to try to control the spin, thereby eliminating any deviation from the status quo.