NASA probe ready to slam into an asteroid this month in landmark planetary defense test

[smp]

From Space.com:
"In two weeks, NASA will open a new era for the solar system.

The milestone comes courtesy of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which launched just last fall. On Sept. 26, DART will slam headfirst into a small asteroid, the rare case when a spacecraft's destruction is the desired outcome. The mission is in the name of planetary defense, which seeks to protect Earth from any potential asteroid impacts; scientists hope that should a dangerous asteroid threaten the planet in the future, a mission like DART could avert the disaster."

https://www.space.com/dart-asteroid-mis ... fense-test

Here's hoping for a good outcome, or at least good data.

smp

[GCoyote]

Definitely following this one.

[helicon]

Wow.

I hope it's not actually heading our way and NASA is acting like it's a test to not stir up the public. Hmm that sounds like the script of Armageddon with Bruce Willis.



Seriously though it's good to have a preventative measure in place. Apophis was rumored to have a >2.7% of striking earth in 2029 back when it was analyzed in 2004, but I don't believe this is still the case.

[Frankskywatcher]

This link has a countdown and I believe we’re supposed to be able to actually see it live.
https://dart.jhuapl.edu/

[Frankskywatcher]

Just a friendly reminder impact is in two hours coverage I believe starts at 5:30 Eastern daylight time the links have been provided

[Frankskywatcher]

70 minutes out you can watch it live on NASA

[Ylem]

BOOM

[Ylem]

Amazing video!!!!!!

[KathyNS]

WOW! Great video of the impact!

[Frankskywatcher]

WOW! Great video of the impact!

That was amazing !!!!

[sdbodin]

Looked just like the rock pile from the sand and gravel company down the road from me.

What a smashup,
Steve

[KathyNS]

I am looking forward to seeing the pictures from the Italian cubesat that was following DART, filming it. I bet there'll be some good shots there. Unfortunately, it has a low data rate, so it will be days or weeks before they are downloaded.

[GCoyote]

And just to top it off, do a google search for "nasa dart" - wait about five seconds.

[Unitron48]

Incredible to watch! Well done, NASA! Now on to Artemis 1!!

Dave

[smp]

Here's something from Ars Technica this morning:
"DART goes silent after hitting an asteroid "

https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/09 ... -asteroid/

See the excellent impact video from ATLAS there!

smp

[pakarinen]

I watched the impact live on Discovery. Very impressive. Now we'll see if the orbit was changed.

[Frankskywatcher]

Looked just like the rock pile from the sand and gravel company down the road from me.

What a smashup,
Steve

I Noticed that too as it closed on it right before impact it just look like a Lotta rocks and like dirt surprising to see it that close up !

[Frankskywatcher]

This post needs a boost!
Does anybody know what the results were they said it would take about a week to know whether it knocked it off course or not, if anybody has any info that would be great!

[Frankskywatcher]

BUMP looks like the dart mission was a success ,read about it here!
https://amp.theguardian.com/science/202 ... successful

[Ylem]

Yes!

Also here; https://www.space.com/nasa-dart-asteroi ... ge-success