On the occasion of International Asteroid Day, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) organised a workshop at Space Bhavan in Bengaluru.Asteroids are small rocky bodies orbiting the Sun. They orbit the Sun like planets but are much smaller in size. They are mainly found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Effects of asteroid explosion on Earth
- Extinction of species
- Creation of crater lake
- Damage to ecosystem
- Adverse effect on food chain
- Climate change
Asteroid Day
- Asteroid Day is celebrated every year on 30 June by the space community. On this occasion, an asteroid workshop was organised.
- On 30 June, 1908, in Siberia, Russia, an asteroid exploded in a 2,200 sq km forest. This day is celebrated due to the huge explosion of an asteroid.
- It is believed that the explosion of asteroids was the reason behind the extinction of dinosaurs along with many species.
Objective of Asteroid Workshop
- To raise awareness about the dangers of asteroids
- To explain the importance of asteroid research for a better understanding of the universe
- To inspire innovative solutions for planetary protection
Observation of Apophis Asteroid by ISRO
- In the year 2004, ISRO’s observatories were successful in observing a 340 meter sized object.
- This object was continuously approaching the Earth.
- Based on the available data, ISRO calculated that this object is highly likely to collide with the Earth, indicating a high risk.
- This object is known as Asteroid Apophis. It can be seen often in the vicinity of the Earth.
- According to ISRO, if there is any change in gravity, it is likely that it will have an impact on Earth in the year 2036.
- Currently, ISRO as a leading space agency has started focused activities towards planetary protection.
ISRO’s plan for Apophis asteroid
- ISRO is considering participating in a planetary defense mission in space before the Apophis asteroid passes near or collides with Earth on April 13, 2029.
- This may include placing an instrument on the Apophis asteroid mission, a joint effort by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- ISRO will provide possible support to participate and learn from this mission.
- Although ISRO lacks funding for new projects like asteroid missions.
Learnings from NASA’s DART Mission
- NASA’s DART mission helped change the trajectory of an asteroid in deep space.
- NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) successfully changed the orbit of the target asteroid Dimorphos, which was targeted by a spacecraft.
- This mission demonstrated that it is possible to deflect an asteroid by slightly altering its trajectory.
- By changing the trajectory of an asteroid, it can be prevented from hitting the Earth.