Asteroids

Latest about Asteroids

A gray scale photo shows various light and dark lumps across the rocky sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu

NASA puts asteroid Bennu under the microscope | Space photo of the day for Aug. 29, 2025

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

The near-Earth asteroid's microscopic surface tells a detailed story.

Asteroids
A mosaic image of the asteroid Bennu created by observations made by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

Scientists discover minerals in asteroid Ryugu that are older than Earth itself

By Samantha Mathewson published

Asteroid Ryugu is proving to be one of the most scientifically valuable time capsules in the solar system.

Asteroids
A line of white dots against a dark background

Spacecraft headed to DART asteroid crash site images 2 faint space rocks to boost planetary defense tactics

By Keith Cooper published

The techniques used to target the asteroids could also be employed in tracking hazardous asteroids and interstellar objects.

Asteroids
An older man with white hair and glasses wearing a dark jacket stands between large rows of solar panels under a night sky full of stars.

Solar farms could help find dangerous asteroids, scientist says

By Victoria Corless published

By transforming idle heliostats into asteroid detectors, scientists aim to develop a cost-effective method for spotting faint, fast-moving space rocks.

Asteroids
A gray rocky asteroid heads back toward Earth in the darkness of space

NASA or the Space Force: Who should protect Earth from dangerous asteroids?

By Leonard David published

NASA currently leads the nation's planetary defense efforts, but some are calling for the Space Force to take control.

Asteroids
An illustration of 3I/Atlas shedding material as it passes close to the sun

Interstellar invader Comet 3I/ATLAS is packed with water ice that could be older than Earth

By Robert Lea published

Scientists have examined the interstellar invader 3I/ATLAS, finding evidence that it is packed with water that could be older than the solar system.

Asteroids
A series of white dots on a black background

How do scientists calculate the probability that an asteroid could hit Earth?

By Toshi Hirabayashi published

The 2024 YR4 asteroid may come close to Earth, but how do experts calculate this potential impact?

Asteroids
An image of the interstellar invader Comet 3I/ATLAS as seen by Hubble

Hubble spots interstellar invader Comet 3I/ATLAS for the first time

By Robert Lea published

The long-serving space telescope saw the third interloper to enter the solar system from beyond its limits late on Monday morning (July 21).

Asteroids

Could asteroid mining actually work? Maybe if we start with impact sites on the moon

By Leonard David published

"Can humanity enjoy the benefits of both asteroid and lunar mining without compromise, or do we have to choose one at the expense of the other?"

Asteroids
An illustration shows the asteroid 2024 YT4 streaking toward the moon

Asteroid 2024 YR4 won't Earth but it could still ruin your day: Here's how

By Robert Lea published

Earth may be safe from an impact by the asteroid 2024 YR4, but it still has a chance of striking the moon. This lunar impact could pose a risk to space tech and astronauts.

Asteroids
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