Pallas: The Golf Ball Asteroid with a Violent Past

by Peter December 17, 2021

written by Peter December 17, 2021

Pallas: The Asteroid Belt’s Most Cratered Object

A Violent Past Revealed

Pallas, one of the most infamous asteroids in our solar system, has been captured in stunning detail by astronomers using the SPHERE instrument at the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope. The images reveal a remarkable sight: Pallas is the most cratered object in the asteroid belt, a title it has likely earned through countless collisions with its neighbors.

“These first detailed images of Pallas suggest that the asteroid has had a violent past,” said Franck Marchis, a planetary scientist at MIT and co-author of a study published in Nature Astronomy.

An Unusual Orbit

While most asteroids in the belt travel along a similar path around the sun, Pallas takes a more rogue approach. Its tilted orbit brings it crashing through the belt at an awkward angle, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

“Pallas experiences two or three times more collisions than Ceres or Vesta,” the two largest objects in the asteroid belt, said Michaël Marsset, a planetary scientist at MIT and co-author of the study.

A Golf Ball Asteroid

The constant bombardment has left Pallas heavily pockmarked, earning it the nickname “golf ball asteroid.” An analysis of images captured by SPHERE showed that craters make up at least 10% of the asteroid’s surface.

Severe Impacts

The impacts that Pallas experiences are particularly severe. Computer simulations revealed that the impactors responsible for the craters were traveling at speeds over 25,000 miles per hour, nearly twice as fast as is typical for asteroid belt collisions.

A Family of Followers

At least 36 of the depressions on Pallas span at least 18 miles in diameter, including one massive crater that stretches 250 miles across. This crater is likely the result of a collision with an object up to 25 miles wide.

The impact that created this crater may also be responsible for the group of smaller objects that trail Pallas. After smashing into the asteroid some 1.7 billion years ago, the impactor may have shattered into fragments that drifted into space and now follow their leader.

A Window into the Past

“Because we are now able to see the surface of large asteroids in the main-belt, we have access to a fictive book on the history of our solar system,” said Marsset. “We are in the process of learning how to read it, and each page is a surprise to us, including Pallas.”

By studying Pallas and other asteroids, scientists are gaining a better understanding of the violent and chaotic early days of our solar system. These celestial bodies hold clues to the processes that shaped our planet and the potential hazards that still exist in space.

Peter

Peter is a marketer with a background in business and a passion for writing. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, Peter has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile contributor to LifeScienceArt.com, where he enjoys sharing his insights and expertise across a wide array of topics. Peter's journey into the world of marketing began with his university education in business. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His academic pursuits were characterized by a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in marketing, where he has applied his knowledge to help businesses grow and thrive in competitive landscapes. Throughout his career, Peter has worked with a diverse range of companies, from startups to large multinational conglomerates, helping them develop and execute effective marketing strategies. His experience spans various industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, reflecting his adaptability and broad skill set. Peter's ability to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving has made him a valuable asset in any organization he works with. Despite his busy professional life, Peter has always made time for his true passion: writing. He finds joy in the written word and believes in its power to inform, inspire, and connect people. This passion has found a perfect outlet in LifeScienceArt.com, where he contributes to all sections of the site. Whether it's penning thought-provoking articles on the latest trends in life sciences, crafting engaging profiles of industry leaders, or writing insightful pieces on art and its intersection with science, Peter brings a unique voice and perspective to his work. One of the aspects Peter cherishes most about his role at LifeScienceArt.com is the opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful cohort of writers. He values the camaraderie and the shared commitment to excellence that characterize the team. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals inspires him to continually hone his craft and push the boundaries of his writing. Outside of his professional pursuits, Peter is an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He enjoys exploring new ideas, delving into diverse genres of literature, and staying abreast of developments in science and art. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are reflected in his writing, where he strives to bring fresh insights and a nuanced understanding to his readers. Peter's story is one of dedication, versatility, and a deep-seated love for both marketing and writing. His contributions to LifeScienceArt.com not only enrich the site's content but also underscore the importance of passion and collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.