April 28, 2009 -- Asteroids become redder the longer they stay out in the sun, a finding that could help determine our planetary origins, say U.S. and European researchers. The research, which appears in the latest edition of Nature, found that the fresh surface of asteroid fragments redden in less than a million years, much faster than previously thought. "Asteroids seem to get a sun tan very quickly," said research lead author Pierre Vernazza from the European Southern Observatory (ESO). "The charged, fast moving particles in the solar wind damage the asteroid's surface at an amazing rate." It has long been known that asteroid surfaces change appearance over time, but the actual processes behind this weathering and the time involved were controversial. Related Content:
Using the ESO's New Technology Telescope and the Very Large Telescope in Chile, as well as telescopes in Spain and Hawaii, they analyzed the surfaces of S-type, stony asteroids, and Q-type asteroids, rich in the minerals pyroxene and olivine. These asteroids were formed by collisions as recently as one million years ago. By comparing the age of the asteroids and their color, they determined solar wind was the culprit. Solar wind, which consists of highly energetic particles released by the sun, is different from ultraviolet radiation, which is responsible for tanning human skin. The finding is significant, as it will allow astronomers to better determine the origin of meteorites -- asteroid fragments that fall to Earth. "Meteorites are time capsules from the beginning of the solar system," said Vernazza. "The value of their record of the earliest epoch of planetary formation is, with a few exceptions, compromised by the lack of precision with which we can pinpoint the location of their parent bodies." Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
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