Historical Events tagged with "asteroids"
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.
NASA's Dawn Probe Embarks on Asteroid Journey
NASA launched the Dawn spacecraft from Cape Canaveral, aiming to explore the two largest objects in the asteroid belt, Vesta and Ceres. This mission was groundbreaking, utilizing innovative ion propulsion technology to reach these distant targets. Dawn's primary objective was to gather data about the formation of the solar system by studying the composition and structure of these celestial bodies. With a planned mission duration of more than eight years, Dawn was set to provide unparalleled insights about its destinations as it travels deeper into the asteroid belt.
Continue ReadingNEAR Shoemaker Enters Asteroid Orbit
The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft successfully entered orbit around asteroid 433 Eros, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Launched by NASA in February 1996, NEAR Shoemaker's mission was to study this near-Earth asteroid. After a careful maneuvering process, the spacecraft achieved orbit on February 14, 2000, and began sending back valuable data about Eros’s surface, shape, and composition. This achievement showcased advancements in satellite technology and provided insights into the early solar system.
Continue ReadingNEAR Shoemaker Launch: Asteroid Exploration Begins
NASA's NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft was launched, marking the beginning of the Discovery Program. This mission aimed to be the first to orbit and land on an asteroid, specifically targeting 433 Eros. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, showcasing the United States' commitment to advance space exploration and study the characteristics of asteroids.
Continue ReadingCarl Gustav Witt Discovers Near-Earth Asteroid Eros
Carl Gustav Witt discovered 433 Eros, the first near-Earth asteroid, on August 13, 1898, while working at the Berlin Observatory. This significant discovery added to the understanding of celestial bodies close to Earth and marked a major advancement in astronomy. Eros, named after the Greek god of love, was initially located at a distance of approximately 22 million kilometers from Earth. This finding opened new avenues for research into asteroids and their compositions, orbits, and potential for future exploration.
Continue Reading