Radio Transmissions Seek to Measure Asteroid
An experiment conducted in Alaska used long-wavelength radio transmissions to hopefully map the mass distribution of a potentially hazardous asteroid.
From the high peaks of the Andes to the deep cold of the Arctic and Antarctic, space science happens in some amazing locales. The dry air, often clear skies, lack of surrounding buildings, and little light pollution help with any number of observations. Last week, one particular experiment wrapped up for the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program, or HAARP, located in Gakona, Alaska.
Using a powerful transmitter, the experiment sent long wavelength radio waves into space for twelve hours, targeting a small asteroid cataloged as 2010 XC15. Discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey back in 2010, this asteroid is about 150 meters across and is considered a potentially hazardous object as its orbit is mostly within the orbit of Earth. On December 27, 2022, 2010 XC15 passed by our planet at about two lunar distances, allowing the HAARP team to use radio waves to observe the small body during that close approach.
While most programs use optical and radar telescopes to collect data about the orbits and shapes of asteroids, as well as somewhat image their surfaces, these…
