A new study published in Nature Astronomy has revealed a new way to predict the motion of asteroids after an impact. Using computer simulations, researchers were able to observe the behavior of asteroids in the aftermath of an impact, and found that they behave differently than previously thought. This could help scientists better understand what happens to asteroids when they collide with other objects in space.

The study found that after an impact, the asteroid fragments can move in several directions, rather than just one. This means that the fragments could go in a variety of directions, making them harder to track and potentially more dangerous. This could also lead to more complex trajectories for asteroids, which could make them difficult to predict or deflect.

The researchers also found that the fragments can move faster than expected, and can travel in directions that weren’t previously known. This could be a major factor in the destruction caused by asteroid impacts, as the speed and direction of the fragments could make it harder to prepare for or mitigate the aftermath.

Overall, this new understanding of the behavior of asteroids after an impact could lead to better predictions and ultimately help protect Earth from asteroid impacts.

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source: Phys.org