Japan’s Hayabusa2 Mission: Unraveling the Age and Composition of Asteroid Ryugu

by Rosa December 17, 2020

written by Rosa December 17, 2020

Japan’s Hayabusa2 Mission: Unraveling the Secrets of Asteroid Ryugu

Creating an Artificial Crater

In April 2019, Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft made history by creating an artificial crater on the asteroid Ryugu. The mission aimed to calculate Ryugu’s age and provide insights into its composition.

The spacecraft hurled a four-pound copper ball, known as SCI (small carry-on impactor), towards Ryugu’s surface at an astonishing speed of 4,500 miles per hour. The impact created a crater approximately 47 feet wide, larger than expected.

Calculating Ryugu’s Age

Previous estimates suggested Ryugu’s surface could be millions to hundreds of millions of years old. However, the artificial crater provided a more accurate measurement.

Researchers analyzed the size and shape of the crater, which are influenced by the asteroid’s gravity and the strength of its surface material (regolith). Using this data, they calculated Ryugu’s surface age to be between six and 11 million years old.

Microgravity Crater Formation

The Hayabusa2 mission marked the first time crater formation was observed in a microgravity environment. Unlike Earth, where gravity is strong, Ryugu’s microgravity environment significantly impacted the crater’s characteristics.

The crater’s large size and semicircular shape suggest that Ryugu has a loose top layer covering a denser core. This finding aligns with recent evidence from the Nature journal, indicating that Ryugu is primarily composed of loosely packed sand rather than solid rock.

Asteroid Composition and Evolution

While the surface of Ryugu appears to be relatively young, the asteroid itself may be significantly older. Most asteroids of similar size are estimated to be around 100 million years old.

However, Ryugu’s rapid spin rate could have eroded old craters and reset the surface’s apparent age. Landslides observed by Hayabusa2 indicate that the asteroid may have slowed down from a higher spin rate in the past.

Hayabusa2’s Return and Future Studies

Hayabusa2 left Ryugu in November 2019, carrying samples from the center of the crater. These samples will be analyzed by scientists to gain a deeper understanding of Ryugu’s composition and history.

The Hayabusa2 mission has provided valuable insights into asteroid exploration and the evolution of these celestial bodies. Future studies will continue to unravel the mysteries of Ryugu and other asteroids in our solar system.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.