The Ancient Relic: A Journey Through Asteroids

🪐Asteroids are ancient celestial objects that formed over four billion years ago during the early days of the solar system.

🛰️Asteroids are our oldest and most numerous cosmic neighbors, and scientists are actively searching for and discovering new ones every day.

🌍Some asteroids have the potential to collide with Earth, causing significant destruction, which is why it's crucial to map, study, and catalog near-Earth space.

🔎NASA's NEOWISE telescope plays a vital role in discovering and studying asteroids. It uses thermal infrared to detect the heat emitted by asteroids, even those as dark as coal.

🚀By continuously searching the sky for near-Earth asteroids, we can enhance our ability to predict and prevent potentially hazardous impacts on our planet.

How old are asteroids?

—Asteroids formed over four billion years ago during the early stages of the solar system's formation.

Why do scientists study asteroids?

—Scientists study asteroids to understand the early solar system, track potential impact hazards, and explore potential resources for future space missions.

How are asteroids discovered?

—Asteroids are discovered using various telescopes that scan the sky, including NASA's NEOWISE, which detects their thermal infrared emissions.

Can asteroids collide with Earth?

—Yes, some asteroids have the potential to collide with Earth, and it is crucial to map and monitor their paths to predict and prevent potential impacts.

What is the role of NEOWISE in asteroid discovery?

—NEOWISE plays a crucial role in asteroid discovery by using its thermal infrared capabilities to detect and study even the darkest asteroids.

00:13Introduction to the ancient relic that is older than any human artifact, continents, and life on Earth.

00:25Explanation of how this relic, made of nickel and iron, was formed over four billion years ago during the early days of the solar system.

00:43Discovery that this relic is a part of an asteroid, one of the oldest and most numerous cosmic neighbors.

01:12Highlighting the ongoing search and discovery of near-Earth asteroids by scientists worldwide.

03:34Description of the asteroid impact threat to our planet and the importance of understanding and tracking their paths.

03:49Introduction to NEOWISE, NASA's telescope repurposed for asteroid discovery and study.

05:00Explanation of how NEOWISE's detection in the thermal infrared helps find even the darkest asteroids.

05:38Call to action to continuously search the sky for near-Earth asteroids to enhance our ability to predict and prevent potential impacts.