Asteroids Get a Surface Makeover When They Pass Near Earth
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 14:07
in Astronomy & Space
Most asteroids have a reddish tint as a result of sun-induced weathering and bombardment by micrometeorites, but a select few retain a relatively pristine gray appearance. In the January 21 issue of Nature planetary scientist Richard Binzel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his colleagues report a finding that may clear up the asteroid-coloration mystery once and for all. ( Scientific American is part of Nature Publishing Group.) [More]