A5070254929- Astro and Planetary Science
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- High-pressure geophysics and materials
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Archaeological and Historical Studies
- Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
- Space Satellite Systems and Control
- Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- Atmospheric Ozone and Climate
- earthquake and tectonic studies
- Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
- Geological and Geochemical Analysis
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Archaeological and Geological Studies
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Earthquake Detection and Analysis
- Space exploration and regulation
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis
Institute of Space Sciences
2015-2024
Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya
2009-2024
Institute of Space Science - INFLPR Subsidiary
2006-2023
University of Namur
2023
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
2006-2015
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
2006-2014
National Research Council
2013
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
2009
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
2009
Planetary Science Institute
2003-2007
Abstract Although no known asteroid poses a threat to Earth for at least the next century, catalogue of near-Earth asteroids is incomplete objects whose impacts would produce regional devastation 1,2 . Several approaches have been proposed potentially prevent an impact with by deflecting or disrupting 1–3 A test kinetic technology was identified as highest-priority space mission related mitigation 1 NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) full-scale technology. The mission’s target...
Abstract The NASA Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission performed a kinetic impact on asteroid Dimorphos, the satellite of binary (65803) Didymos, at 23:14 UTC 26 September 2022 as planetary defence test 1 . DART was first hypervelocity experiment an size and velocity scales relevant to defence, intended validate means deflection. Here we report determination momentum transferred by impact. On basis change in orbit period 2 , find instantaneous reduction Dimorphos’s along-track...
Some active asteroids have been proposed to be formed as a result of impact events1. Because are generally discovered by chance only after their tails fully formed, the process how ejecta evolve into tail has, our knowledge, not directly observed. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission NASA2, in addition having successfully changed orbital period Dimorphos3, demonstrated activation an asteroid resulting from under precisely known conditions. Here we report observations DART with...
Abstract Images collected during NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission provide the first resolved views of Didymos binary asteroid system. These images reveal that primary asteroid, Didymos, is flattened and has plausible undulations along its equatorial perimeter. At high elevations, surface rough contains large boulders craters; at low elevations smooth possesses fewer craters. Didymos’ moon, Dimorphos, an intimate mixture boulders, several asteroid-wide lineaments, a...
Particles emanating from comet 81P/Wild 2 collided with the Stardust spacecraft at 6.1 kilometers per second, producing hypervelocity impact features on collector surfaces that were returned to Earth. The morphologies of these surprisingly diverse created by particles varying dense mineral grains loosely bound, polymineralic aggregates ranging tens nanometers hundreds micrometers in size. cumulative size distribution Wild dust is shallower than Halley, yet steeper Grigg-Skjellerup.
We present laboratory experiments on the formation of macroscopic dust aggregates. The centimeter-sized highly porous bodies are produced by random ballistic deposition from individual micrometer-sized particles. find packing densities between 0.07 and 0.15 for uncompressed samples, dependent shape size distribution constituent grains. Impacts into these simulated uniaxial compression experiments. that maximum compression, equivalent to highest protoplanetary impact velocities ~50 m s-1,...
Abstract– We have assembled data on 13 cases of meteorite falls with accurate tracking atmospheric passage. In all cases, we estimate the bulk strength object corresponding to its earliest observed or inferred fragmentation in high atmosphere, and can compare these values measured strengths meteorites taxonomic class for that fall. is much less than compressive tensile reported stony meteorites. Bulk upon entry bodies are shown be very low, 0.1 approximately 1 MPa first breakup, maximal...
Abstract— The cometary tray of the NASA Stardust spacecraft's aerogel collector was examined to study dust captured during 2004 flyby comet 81P/Wild 2. An optical scan entire surface revealed 256 impact features in (width >100 μm). Twenty blocks (out a total 132) were removed from for higher resolution and 186 tracks observed (track length >50 μm width >8 classified into three types based on their morphology. Laboratory calibrations conducted that reproduced all types. This work...
We show that carbonaceous chondrite meteorites actively and selectively catalyze the formation of relevant prebiotic molecules from formamide in aqueous media. Specific catalytic behaviours are observed, depending on origin composition chondrites type water present system (activity: thermal > seawater pure). report one-pot synthesis all natural nucleobases, aminoacids eight carboxylic acids (forming, pyruvic acid to citric acid, a continuous series encompassing large part extant Krebs...
Abstract Planetary defense efforts rely on estimates of the mechanical properties asteroids, which are difficult to constrain accurately from Earth. The asteroid material also important in interpretation Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) impact. Here we perform a detailed morphological analysis surface boulders Dimorphos using images, primary data set available DART mission. We estimate bulk angle internal friction be 32.7 ± 2. 5° our measurements roundness 34 best-resolved ranging...
Abstract Asteroids smaller than 10 km are thought to be rubble piles formed from the reaccumulation of fragments produced in catastrophic disruption parent bodies. Ground-based observations reveal that some these asteroids today binary systems, which a secondary orbits larger primary asteroid. However, how became systems remains unclear. Here, we report analysis boulders on surface stony asteroid (65803) Didymos and its moonlet, Dimorphos, data collected by NASA DART mission. The...
Abstract NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft impacted Dimorphos, the natural satellite of (65803) Didymos, on 2022 September 26, as a first successful test kinetic impactor technology for deflecting potentially hazardous object in space. The experiment resulted small change to dynamical state Didymos system consistent with expectations and Level 1 mission requirements. In preencounter paper, predictions were put forward regarding pre- postimpact system. Here we assess...
A long-debated issue concerning the nucleosynthesis of neutron-rich elements in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars is identification neutron source. We report intermediate-mass (4 to 8 solar masses) AGB our Galaxy that are rubidium-rich as a result overproduction long-lived radioactive isotope 87 Rb, predicted theoretically 40 years ago. This finding represents direct observational evidence 22 Ne(α,n) 25 Mg reaction must be dominant source these stars. These challenge understanding late...
There is an unceasing incoming flux of extraterrestrial materials reaching the Earth's atmosphere. Some these objects produce luminous columns when they ablate during hypersonic encounter with air molecules. A few fireballs occur each year bright enough to be detected from space. The source events still a matter debate, but it generally accepted that are sporadic origin. We studied NASA-JPL Center for NEOs Studies (CNEOS) fireball database infer dynamic origin large bolides produced by...
Abstract— Relative chemical abundances of 13 meteoroids were determined by averaging the composition radiating gas along fireball path that originated during their penetration into Earth's atmosphere. Mg, Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Co abundances, relative to Si, are similar those reported for CI CM carbonaceous chondrites interplanetary dust particles. In contrast, Ca Ti in meteor spectra indicate these elements suffer incomplete evaporation processes. The all studied this work differs from 1P/Halley dust.
Meteoroid behaviour during atmospheric interaction provides clues about the strength and density of cometary disintegration products, establishing a bridge between different research fields. We have estimated meteoroids by studying meteor ablation light curves measured accurately from multiple-station observation programmes. Our approach assumes that typical height for meteoroid fragmentation is associated with peak luminosity. The independent entry velocity very similar streams ages....
We describe the fall of Annama meteorite occurred in remote Kola Peninsula (Russia) close to Finnish border on 2014 April 19 (local time). The fireball was instrumentally observed by Fireball Network. From these observations strewnfield computed and two first meteorites were found only a few hundred metres from predicted landing site May 29 30, so that (an H5 chondrite) experienced minimal terrestrial alteration. accuracy allowed precise geocentric radiant be obtained, heliocentric orbit for...