Asteroids ‘Dinky’ and ‘Selam’ Forever Linked by Historic Flyby
July 7, 2023
NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-REx has successfully completed its historic flyby of asteroids Bennu and 2020 NX1, known informally as Dinky and Selam, respectively. The encounter marks a groundbreaking moment in planetary science, providing valuable insights into the composition and evolution of these two celestial bodies.
The Flyby
On July 6, 2023, OSIRIS-REx flew past Dinky, an asteroid approximately 35 feet in diameter. The spacecraft then performed a close approach to Selam, a larger asteroid measuring 1,200 feet across. During both encounters, OSIRIS-REx acquired detailed images, spectral data, and other scientific measurements.
The Connection
Scientists have long suspected that Dinky and Selam may have a common origin. However, it was not until this flyby that definitive evidence was obtained. Data collected by OSIRIS-REx revealed that the two asteroids share a similar mineralogical composition and derived from the same parent body millions of years ago.
Implications
This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of asteroid evolution. It suggests that asteroids can undergo fragmentation and dispersal events, creating families of objects that share similar characteristics. The study of Dinky and Selam can therefore provide insights into the processes that shape the asteroid belt.
Future Explorations
The successful flyby of Dinky and Selam is a testament to the capabilities of OSIRIS-REx and the ingenuity of NASA’s scientists and engineers. The mission is now set to continue its exploration of Bennu, with plans to collect samples of the asteroid’s surface in 2023 and return them to Earth in 2023. The ongoing study of asteroids like Dinky and Selam will continue to shed light on the formation and history of our solar system, and provide valuable information for future space missions.A fateful encounter in outer space has forever intertwined the destinies of two tiny asteroids. In 2008, the Near-Earth Asteroid Trajectory Surveyor (NEAT) spotted a faint celestial body hurtling towards Earth. Designated “2008 DU97,” this asteroid was small, only about 20 meters in diameter. However, its trajectory put it on a collision course with our planet. Days after its discovery, a second asteroid, “2008 EB3,” was identified as another potential impactor. This one was slightly larger, measuring approximately 25 meters across. As scientists tracked both asteroids, they realized that their paths would intersect in July 2009. The potential for a double impact sent shockwaves through the scientific community and triggered a scramble for solutions. Astronomers proposed various mitigation strategies, including nudging the asteroids with spacecraft or blowing them up with nuclear devices. But fate had a different plan. On July 24, 2009, the two asteroids passed within 15,000 kilometers of each other, narrowly avoiding a collision. This near-miss forever altered their trajectories and created an unbreakable bond between them. In 2018, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially named the two asteroids. “2008 DU97” was given the name “Dinky,” while “2008 EB3” became known as “Selam.” The names, chosen based on the size and trajectory of the asteroids, serve as a permanent reminder of their close encounter. The story of Dinky and Selam highlights the unpredictable nature of space exploration and the constant vigilance required to protect our planet from potential cosmic threats. It also demonstrates the remarkable resilience of celestial bodies, as they continue to orbit the Sun, forever linked by their shared experience.
