Historical Events tagged with "asteroid"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Space Exploration

Asteroid Explosion Over Mediterranean Sea

June 6th, 2002 22 years ago

A near-Earth asteroid approximately ten meters in diameter exploded over the Mediterranean Sea between Greece and Libya. The explosion generated a force estimated at 26 kilotons, making it slightly more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. This explosive event occurred in a remote area, allowing it to be observed without immediate impact on populated regions. Scientists were able to study the phenomenon closely due to the magnitude and location.

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Space Exploration

NEAR Shoemaker Becomes First Asteroid Lander

February 12th, 2001 24 years ago

The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft successfully landed on the asteroid 433 Eros in the saddle region, marking the first time a spacecraft has made a physical landing on an asteroid. The achievement capped a mission lasting over a year and a half, during which NEAR conducted detailed studies of Eros, a potentially hazardous asteroid located about 16 million kilometers from Earth. The rich scientific data gathered during this mission provided valuable insights into the composition and structure of asteroids, aiding scientists in understanding the early solar system.

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Space Exploration

USA Asteroid Orbiter Images Comet Hyakutake

April 4th, 1996 28 years ago

The USA's Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous captured stunning images of Comet Hyakutake in 1996. This landmark event marked a significant achievement in space exploration, showcasing advanced imaging technology and the potential for studying celestial objects up close. As the comet passed near Earth, the NEAR spacecraft was able to gather valuable data, allowing scientists to analyze the structure and composition of the comet. This event highlighted the collaboration between space agencies and the growing interest in studying comets and asteroids.

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Space Exploration

Galileo Probe Discovers Asteroid Moon Dactyl

August 28th, 1993 31 years ago

NASA's Galileo spacecraft conducted a flyby of asteroid 243 Ida, revealing Dactyl, its first known moon, through detailed images captured during the encounter. The probe, part of the Galileo mission aimed at exploring Jupiter and its moons, approached Ida at a distance of about 3,000 kilometers. The discovery was significant, as it not only expanded our understanding of asteroids but also initiated further studies into the relationship between asteroids and their moons.

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Space Exploration

Galileo Spacecraft Visits Asteroid 951 Gaspra

October 29th, 1991 33 years ago

The American spacecraft Galileo made history by closely approaching asteroid 951 Gaspra, marking a significant milestone as the first spacecraft to visit an asteroid. It captured images and data that revealed valuable information about the asteroid's surface and shape. This mission provided insights into the composition and characteristics of such celestial bodies, contributing to our understanding of the early solar system.

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Space Exploration

Discovery of Asteroid Eureka

June 20th, 1990 34 years ago

Asteroid Eureka was discovered in 1990 by astronomers. The finding was made by the Mt. Palomar Observatory in California, USA, adding to the growing catalog of known asteroids in the solar system. Eureka, also designated as 1989 GY, was observed using advanced telescopic technology for the time. The discovery contributed to the understanding of asteroidal shapes and orbits. This new addition highlighted the relevance of ongoing celestial studies.

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Space Exploration

First Photographic Discovery of an Asteroid

December 22nd, 1891 133 years ago

Asteroid 323 Brucia marked a significant milestone in astronomy as it became the first asteroid ever discovered using photography. The discovery was made by the astronomer Johann Palisa using a photographic plate, which showcased the advancement in observational techniques. Photographic technology allowed for more accurate tracking of celestial bodies, leading to improved understanding of the asteroid belt and its composition. This groundbreaking event underscored the role of innovation in exploring distant objects in our solar system, paving the way for future discoveries.

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Space Exploration

Annibale de Gasparis Discovers Asteroid Massalia

September 19th, 1852 172 years ago

Annibale de Gasparis, an Italian astronomer, discovered the asteroid Massalia from the north dome of the Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte in Naples. This discovery marked a significant advancement in the study of asteroids and contributed to the growing understanding of celestial bodies in our solar system. Gasparis's observations helped to pave the way for future studies in planetary science and the classification of asteroids.

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Space Exploration

Annibale de Gasparis Discovers Asteroid 15 Eunomia

July 29th, 1851 173 years ago

Annibale de Gasparis, an Italian astronomer, discovered asteroid 15 Eunomia on July 29, 1851, from the observatory in Naples. Eunomia is one of the largest asteroids in the asteroid belt and was named after the Greek goddess of good order and management. This discovery marked a significant advancement in the study of celestial objects and broadened the understanding of the solar system's composition.

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