The Lost Centaur Rocket: A Journey through Space and Time

🚀In 2020, an object named 2020SO was discovered, resembling an artificial object rather than an asteroid.

🔍Scientists used spectroscopy observations to compare the material of 2020SO and the Centaur rocket, finding a match.

🛰️Observing objects in Earth's orbit is challenging due to their high speed, but advanced telescopes can gather important data.

🌌As our presence in space increases, tracking objects heading towards Earth becomes more important.

🌎2020SO will eventually return to Earth, showing the laws of physics always bring these objects home.

What is 2020SO?

—2020SO is an object discovered in 2020 that resembles an artificial object rather than an asteroid. It was later identified as the Centaur rocket from 1966.

How did scientists confirm the identity of 2020SO?

—Scientists used spectroscopy observations to compare the material of 2020SO and the Centaur rocket. The spectral measurements showed a match, confirming its identity.

Why is observing objects in Earth's orbit challenging?

—Objects in Earth's orbit move at high speeds, making it difficult for telescopes to lock onto them for a sufficient amount of data.

Why is tracking objects heading towards Earth important?

—As our presence in space increases, it becomes crucial to track objects heading towards Earth to ensure the safety of our planet and space missions.

Will 2020SO return to Earth?

—Yes, 2020SO will eventually return to Earth in the distant future, following the laws of physics that bring these objects back home.

00:00In 1966, a Centaur rocket was lost in space.

02:14Scientists discovered an object named 2020SO resembling an artificial object.

02:48Observing objects in Earth's orbit is challenging due to their high speed.

06:14Scientists used spectroscopy observations to compare the material of 2020SO and the Centaur rocket, finding a match.

07:32Tracking objects heading towards Earth is important as our presence in space increases.