Asteroid 2001 FO32 will approach Earth this Sunday, March 21. It is listed as “potentially dangerous” according to NASA; specifically, classified as NEA ( Near Earth Asteroid ) pha Apollo type.
“ This typology of asteroids is characterized by having an orbit with a semi-major axis greater than the orbit of the earth, and the perihelion is less than one astronomical unit. If an asteroid, in addition to being a NEA, has a minimum distance of intersection with the Earth’s orbit of less than 7.5 million kilometers, then it is considered potentially dangerous, given the possibility that in one of the next appearances, its trajectory will change. and can collide with the Earth. An important requirement for them to be considered PHA ( potentially hazardous asteroid , potentially dangerous asteroid) is that they have an absolute magnitude of 22 or brighter, which implies a size that could cause a strong impact against our planet ”, explains to VERY the Valencian astronomer Amadeo Aznar.
The orbits of asteroids are not unalterable, clarifies the expert. “On some occasions, asteroids vary their orbit due to the gravitational influence of other bodies, such as Jupiter, for example. In other words, just as we use the gravitational force of the planets to propel our space probes, as gravitational catapults, asteroids can also receive a similar impulse , directing them on a collision path against our planet ”.
Hence, it is a fundamental task to carry out a detailed monitoring of certain asteroids considered potentially dangerous since, from one appearance to another, they could change course and become a potential threat.
How do you track asteroids like this?
“ This monitoring is carried out with astrometric techniques, the objective of which is to measure the variation in the position of the asteroid, so that when there are enough measurements, its orbit can be projected. Subsequently, with mathematical models it is predicted what the position will be in the next appearances. If the theoretical position (the one offered by the model) is compared with the real position (obtained with the telescopic observations), the gravitational disturbance that has suffered can be quantified, and therefore, the prediction model improves ”, continues Aznar.
What we know so far
2001 FO32 is estimated to be between 440 and 680 meters in diameter and its flyby on March 21 is the closest this object will have to our planet, so scientists plan to learn a lot about this rock.
“We know that it is a slow rotator, that is, an asteroid that has a rotational period of approximately 39 hours,” explains the expert.
Two types of prominent investigations will be conducted to better understand asteroid 2001 FO32. The radar observations will provide a better understanding of the asteroid’s shape and size thanks to the Deep Space Network, whose radio antennas are located in California, Spain and Australia. With luck, we might even get to know some characteristics of the surface apart from its rotational speed and its more limited dimensions. The second investigation will use NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) to study the infrared properties of the asteroid and estimate what the asteroid is made of.
