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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. Impressive by szyzyg · · Score: 4, Interesting

    But it just makes all those long term asteroid orbit simulations a little harder now, since not only do you have to know the position and velocity accurately, you now have to know it's spin and it's thermal properties. It's a great example of how orbital mechanics can be considered chaotic on reasonable timescales.

    Oh since I'm here - Oblibatory link to my map of the solar system showing all the near earth asteroids.....

    http://szyzyg.arm.ac.uk/~spm/

  2. Question.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Is there a Yarkovsky effect on the Earth as well? Why not?

    1. Re:Question.... by GizmoDuck · · Score: 2, Interesting

      My guess would be no, because the Earth's atmosphere would absorb the thrust. The particles would push directly on the mass of the asteroids, however, since very few have any atmosphere to speak of.