Recent research by NASA has made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the origin of an asteroid that has been orbiting Earth for millions of years. The asteroid, known as Space Rock 2016 HJ03 or Kamo’oalewa, was revealed to have broken off from the Moon after being hit by a larger space rock at least 1 kilometre in diameter, leaving a 14-mile-wide crater on the Moon’s surface.
Experts believe that the asteroid originated from the Giordano Bruno crater on the Moon, making it the first potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroid to be linked to a specific lunar crater. Kamo’oalewa is estimated to be between 150 and 190 feet in diameter.
The study, conducted by Yifei Jiao and Erik Asphaug from the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, has shed new light on the relationship between asteroids and the Moon. Asphaug stated that the discovery of Kamo’oalewa acts as a missing link connecting other space rocks and meteorites.
This new research highlights the interconnectedness of celestial bodies in our solar system and provides valuable insights into the history of these objects. The findings of this study have the potential to deepen our understanding of the origins of asteroids and their impact on surrounding environments.
The revelation of Kamo’oalewa’s origin adds to our knowledge of the complexities of our universe and opens up new avenues for further exploration and research. Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating discovery as scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of space.
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