A few minutes after 1:00 a.m. Spanish time, the DART probe crashed into its target, the small asteroid Dimorpho, fulfilling the planned program almost in a second.
At the speed of a bullet fired from a 44 Magnum, against a rock 160 meters in diameter, 11 million kilometers from Earth, he hit the target.
The images transmitted by the probe's camera during the last minutes of its trajectory were truly spectacular.
First the set of the main asteroid, Didymus, and its satellite, Dimorpho, could be seen.
Then, as DART approached at more than 6 kilometers per second, the first one went out of the field of view, while Dimorpho increased in size step by step.
More information
The DART probe collides with the Dimorph asteroid to deflect it
The last six or seven images focus on this asteroid, which in a few moments went from being a simple point of light to showing some superficial details and, finally, to some detailed close-ups that made the entire control team scream with satisfaction Of flight.
Unlike other asteroids, which alternate between rough areas and nearly smooth dusty expanses, Dimorph is literally studded with rocks.
In the last image, which could only be transmitted in part due to the destruction of the probe, details of less than an inch can be seen.
And then, fade to red: “We have impact!”
Last image sent by DART of the Dimorphic asteroid before colliding.NASA (via REUTERS)
Has the goal of moving Dimorpho slightly out of its original orbit been achieved?
That is the question that observatories around the world, from Chile to La Palma, will have to answer in the coming weeks.
There is an extensive observation program underway in this regard, made up of a large network of space and ground telescopes that observe both asteroids in detail before, during and after the impact.
Already in the first moments of Tuesday, images of the impact captured from Earth began to be received, and it is expected that in the next few hours, days or weeks they will be able to confirm if Dimorfo has deviated and how much.
ATLAS observations of the DART spacecraft impact at Didymos!
pic.twitter.com/26IKwB9VSo
— ATLAS Project (@fallingstarIfA) September 27, 2022
The Didimo-Dimorph system is essentially a clock.
Until now, the small body made a complete revolution around its parent in 11 hours and 55 minutes.
The impact occurred in the reverse direction, so it should have caused a slight change in height, to a lower orbit, and a reduction of about 73 seconds in the time it takes to complete each revolution.
Now the
clock
should move forward.
This asteroid was chosen because, apart from its dual nature, it is seen
edge
-on from Earth : every 12 hours or so, Dimorpho's trajectory leads it to hide behind its companion and reappear shortly after.
Giant telescopes can photograph it, while others can measure the difference in brightness as it enters and exits the eclipse.
Even some radar systems are also capable of detecting it.
Now, the astronomers' job will be to measure the interval between each two successive appearances.
It should be about a minute shorter than before.
If confirmed, this will be the best proof that for the first time in history a celestial body has been moved.
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