Jump to content

Exoasteroid: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Line 5: Line 5:


==Evidence==
==Evidence==
On how exoasteroids would form, scientists concluded that [[gas giant]]s would have to break apart [[exoplanet]]s. The leftover smaller celestial bodies that survived during the destruction of the planet are the exoasteroids. The same processes happened during the formation of the Solar system. <ref>{{cite web |title=Asteroids: Facts |url=https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/asteroids/facts/ |website=nasa.gov |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="NASA-20230126">{{cite news |last=Gronstal |first=Aaron |title=Exo-Asteroids and Habitability around M-Dwarfs |url=https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/news/exo-asteroids-and-habitability-around-m-dwarfs/ |date=26 January 2023 |work=[[NASA]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20231231122011/https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/news/exo-asteroids-and-habitability-around-m-dwarfs/ |archivedate=31 December 2023 |accessdate=31 December 2023 }}</ref>
Scientists have concluded that the formation of exoasteroids likely involves the breakup of exoplanets by [[gas giant]]s. These exoasteroids are believed to be the smaller celestial bodies that survived the destruction of the exoplanet. Similar processes are thought to have occurred during the [[Formation and evolution of the Solar System|formation of our own Solar System]]. <ref>{{cite web |title=Asteroids: Facts |url=https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/asteroids/facts/ |website=nasa.gov |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="NASA-20230126">{{cite news |last=Gronstal |first=Aaron |title=Exo-Asteroids and Habitability around M-Dwarfs |url=https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/news/exo-asteroids-and-habitability-around-m-dwarfs/ |date=26 January 2023 |work=[[NASA]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20231231122011/https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/news/exo-asteroids-and-habitability-around-m-dwarfs/ |archivedate=31 December 2023 |accessdate=31 December 2023 }}</ref>


[[NASA]] once conducted studies, confirming that almost any solar system with planets as large as the outer gas giants and inner planets as large as the inner [[terrestrial planet]]s could form an asteroid belt around its star.<ref name="NASA-20230126" />
[[NASA]] conducted studies confirming that nearly any solar system with planets as large as the [[Solar System#Outer planets|outer planet]]s and [[inner planet]]s as large as the inner terrestrial planets could form an asteroid belt around its star. <ref name="NASA-20230126" />


=== History ===
=== History ===
In December 1988, a study conducted by [[Benjamin Zuckerman]] and [[Eric Becklin]] found evidence of a large [[circumstellar disc]] around white dwarf star [[G 29-38]] after a near-infrared survey of 200 white dwarfs. <ref name="BZ1">[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1988Natur.336..656B A low-temperature companion to a white dwarf star], E. E. Becklin & B. Zuckerman, ''Nature'' '''336''' (Dec. 15, 1988), pp. 656-658</ref> Both scientists conducted studies on the white dwarf star, eventually discovering the circumstellar disc radiate a substantial emission between 2 and 5 micrometres. This could prove the existence of asteroids, and them bouncing of radiant matter into space. <ref>[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987Natur.330..138Z Excess infrared radiation from a white dwarf - an orbiting brown dwarf?] B. Zuckerman & E. E. Becklin, ''Nature'' '''330''', (Nov. 12, 1987), pp. 138-140</ref> Later observations made in 2004 by the [[Spitzer Space Telescope]] indicated the presence of a dust cloud around G 29-38, which may have been created by an [[exocomet]] or exoasteroid being ripped apart by the white dwarf during its history. <ref>[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005ApJ...635L.161R The Dust Cloud around the White Dwarf G29-38], William T. Reach, Marc J. Kuchner, Ted von Hippel, Adam Burrows, Fergal Mullally, Mukremin Kilic, and D. E. Winget, ''Astrophysical Journal'' '''635''', #2 (December 2005), pp. L161–L164.</ref> Spitzers observations further proved that exoasteroid belts and exoasteroids could exist.
In December 1988, a study conducted by [[Benjamin Zuckerman]] and [[Eric Becklin]] found evidence of a large [[circumstellar disc]] around the white dwarf star [[G 29-38]] following a near-infrared survey of 200 white dwarfs. <ref name="BZ1">[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1988Natur.336..656B A low-temperature companion to a white dwarf star], E. E. Becklin & B. Zuckerman, ''Nature'' '''336''' (Dec. 15, 1988), pp. 656-658</ref> Both scientists conducted studies on the white dwarf star, subsequently discovering that the circumstellar disc emitted a substantial amount of radiation between 2 and 5 micrometers. This discovery could suggest the presence of exoasteroids potentially bouncing off radiant matter into space. <ref>[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987Natur.330..138Z Excess infrared radiation from a white dwarf - an orbiting brown dwarf?] B. Zuckerman & E. E. Becklin, ''Nature'' '''330''', (Nov. 12, 1987), pp. 138-140</ref> Subsequent observations in 2004 by the [[Spitzer Space Telescope]] revealed the existence of a dust cloud around G 29-38, possibly formed by the disintegration of an [[exocomet]] or exoasteroid as it interacted with the white dwarf over time.​ <ref>[http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005ApJ...635L.161R The Dust Cloud around the White Dwarf G29-38], William T. Reach, Marc J. Kuchner, Ted von Hippel, Adam Burrows, Fergal Mullally, Mukremin Kilic, and D. E. Winget, ''Astrophysical Journal'' '''635''', #2 (December 2005), pp. L161–L164.</ref> Spitzers observations further proved that exoasteroids could exist.


In May 2023, the [[James Webb Space Telescope]] captured images of [[Fomalhaut]],<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=8 May 2023 |title=Webb Looks for Fomalhaut's Asteroid Belt and Finds Much More |url=https://www.nasa.gov/missions/webb/webb-looks-for-fomalhauts-asteroid-belt-and-finds-much-more/ |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=nasa.gov}}</ref> a young star located 25 [[light-year]]s (ly) from Earth. Scientists conducted simulations and tests of Fomalhaut's asteroid belt, and concluded that the asteroid belt may have formed due to larger body collisions.<ref name=":0" />{{clarify|date=December 2023}}
In May 2023, the [[James Webb Space Telescope]] captured images of [[Fomalhaut]],<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=8 May 2023 |title=Webb Looks for Fomalhaut's Asteroid Belt and Finds Much More |url=https://www.nasa.gov/missions/webb/webb-looks-for-fomalhauts-asteroid-belt-and-finds-much-more/ |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=nasa.gov}}</ref> a young star located 25 [[light-year]]s (ly) from Earth. Scientists conducted simulations and tests on Fomalhaut’s asteroid belt, suggesting that it might have formed as a result of collisions involving larger celestial bodies.<ref name=":0" />{{clarify|date=December 2023}}


Another star that has been detected to have an asteroid belt around it is [[White dwarf|white dwarf star]] [[WD 0145+234]]. It is thought that WD 0145+234 had a previous exoasteroid or exoplanet orbiting it, which was later [[Disrupted planet|destroyed]], subsequently forming a massive exoasteroid belt. Due to the star's radius, scientists have concluded that the [[accretion disk]] orbiting WD 0145+234 is very active, with exoasteroids being ripped apart by the star's [[gravitational pull]] relatively normally. In 2018, astronomers detected that the star's light was 10% more intense in the mid-infrared spectrum, and concluded that a recent exoasteroid was pulled apart, creating a cloud of metallic dust that blocks WD 0145+234‘s view from Earth, albeit the gas cloud doesn't block much light from Earths view.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Letzter |first1=Rafi |date=17 October 2019 |title=An Asteroid-Smashing Star Ground a Giant Rock to Bits and Covered Itself in the Remains |url=https://www.livescience.com/white-dwarf-asteroid-smasher.html |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=livescience.com}}</ref>
Another star known to harbor an asteroid belt is the white dwarf star [[WD 0145+234]]. It is believed that WD 0145+234 once hosted an exoasteroid or exoplanet in orbit around it, which was subsequently [[Disrupted planet|destroyed]], leading to the formation of a significant exoasteroid belt. Due to the star's size, scientists have inferred that the [[accretion disk]] encircling WD 0145+234 is highly active, with exoasteroids regularly torn apart by the star's [[gravitational pull]]. In 2018, astronomers observed a 10% increase in the star's [[infrared light|mid-infrared light]], indicating the recent destruction of an exoasteroid, resulting in the formation of a cloud of metallic dust that partially obscures WD 0145+234 from Earth's view, albeit this gas cloud does not significantly obscure the star's light as seen from Earth.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Letzter |first1=Rafi |date=17 October 2019 |title=An Asteroid-Smashing Star Ground a Giant Rock to Bits and Covered Itself in the Remains |url=https://www.livescience.com/white-dwarf-asteroid-smasher.html |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=livescience.com}}</ref>


==Detection==
==Detection==
[[File:JPL-AsteroidDisruptedByStar-ArtistConcept.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Exoasteroid being ripped apart by its star]]
[[File:JPL-AsteroidDisruptedByStar-ArtistConcept.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Exoasteroid being ripped apart by its star]]
In 2013, astronomers discovered shattered remains of an exoasteroid around star [[GD 61]]. On closer analysis, scientists concluded that the asteroid previously had a water-rich surface: originally some 26% water by mass on its surface, almost close to the surface water (in the form of ice) on the dwarf planet [[Ceres (dwarf planet)|Ceres]]. This evidence suggests that an exoplanet that carried [[liquid]]s could have existed around the star at some point in its history. It is thought the asteroid was destroyed by its star, leaving tiny fragments behind; also creating an asteroid belt around the star.
In 2013, astronomers made a groundbreaking discovery of shattered remnants of an exoasteroid orbiting the star [[GD 61]]. Upon closer examination, scientists determined that the asteroid had a [[Surface water|surface rich in water]], originally comprising approximately 26% water by mass, a composition similar to the surface water, primarily in the form of ice, found on the [[dwarf planet]] [[Ceres (dwarf planet)|Ceres]]. This finding suggests the possibility of an exoplanet with [[liquid water]] existing around the star at some point in its history. It is theorized that the asteroid met its demise due to interaction with its star, resulting in its fragmentation and the subsequent formation of an asteroid belt around the star.


Subsequently, scientists used the [[Cosmic Origins Spectrograph]] aboard the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] to determine the chemical elements contained in the asteroid: magnesium, silicon, iron, and oxygen were detected in the asteroid's water.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 October 2013 |title=Watery asteroid discovered in dying star points to habitable exoplanets |url=https://phys.org/news/2013-10-watery-asteroid-dying-star-habitable.html |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=phys.org}}</ref>
Following this discovery, scientists employed the [[Cosmic Origins Spectrograph]] aboard the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] to analyze the chemical composition of the asteroid. Their findings revealed the presence of [[magnesium]], [[silicon]], [[iron]], and [[oxygen]] within the asteroid’s water.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 October 2013 |title=Watery asteroid discovered in dying star points to habitable exoplanets |url=https://phys.org/news/2013-10-watery-asteroid-dying-star-habitable.html |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=phys.org}}</ref>


===Proposed observational methods===
As of December 2023, GD 61 is the only star known to have had an asteroid orbiting it.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}
⚫
Exoasteroids can be detected through the [[transit method]] as they pass in front of their host star, which also enables scientists to observe their shape. [[Spectroscopy]] is another valuable tool for identifying distinctive characteristics of exoasteroids, as it allows scientists to detect surface features and gain a deeper understanding of these celestial bodies.


⚫
==== Using past information ====
==Observation methods==
⚫
[[Remote sensing]] of the object [[ʻOumuamua]] found it was primordially covered with rocks and [[metal]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title='Oumuamua NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/oumuamua/ |website=nasa.gov |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref> As ʻOumuamua is an extrasolar object, the information gathered from its study could provide valuable insights into the composition and characteristics of exoasteroids. Scientists might discover that many exoasteroids share similar characteristics with ʻOumuamua. Additionally, [[List of missions to minor planets|data from past missions that have studied asteroids or comets]] could offer further insights, although it may not be as directly applicable to exoasteroids.​
⚫
Exoasteroids can be detected as they [[transit method|transit]] their star, which could also allow for scientists to see the shape of the asteroid. [[Spectroscopy]] can also be a useful resource in finding interesting characteristics of an exoasteroid, as scientists could detect surface features on the asteroid, giving a better understanding of the asteroid.

⚫
=== Using information from our Solar System ===
⚫
[[Remote sensing]] of the object [[ʻOumuamua]] found it was primordially covered with rocks and [[metal]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title='Oumuamua NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/oumuamua/ |website=nasa.gov |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref> As ʻOumuamua is an extrasolar object, using this information could be reliable information, and scientists could discover that most exoasteroids could be covered with the same materials ʻOumuamua carries. Scientists could also use data from [[List of missions to minor planets|past missions that studied asteroids or comets]] as well, although they would not be as reliable.


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 23:56, 16 April 2024

Exoasteroid belts around star Fomalhaut
(James Webb Space Telescope; 8 May 2023)

An exoasteroid, exo-asteroid or extrasolar asteroid, is an asteroid outside the Solar System. Exoasteroids (and related exoasteroid belts) were considered to be hypothetical, but scientific study and thorough analysis has provided evidence for their existence.[1]

Evidence

Scientists have concluded that the formation of exoasteroids likely involves the breakup of exoplanets by gas giants. These exoasteroids are believed to be the smaller celestial bodies that survived the destruction of the exoplanet. Similar processes are thought to have occurred during the formation of our own Solar System. [2][3]

NASA conducted studies confirming that nearly any solar system with planets as large as the outer planets and inner planets as large as the inner terrestrial planets could form an asteroid belt around its star. [3]

History

In December 1988, a study conducted by Benjamin Zuckerman and Eric Becklin found evidence of a large circumstellar disc around the white dwarf star G 29-38 following a near-infrared survey of 200 white dwarfs. [4] Both scientists conducted studies on the white dwarf star, subsequently discovering that the circumstellar disc emitted a substantial amount of radiation between 2 and 5 micrometers. This discovery could suggest the presence of exoasteroids potentially bouncing off radiant matter into space. [5] Subsequent observations in 2004 by the Spitzer Space Telescope revealed the existence of a dust cloud around G 29-38, possibly formed by the disintegration of an exocomet or exoasteroid as it interacted with the white dwarf over time.​ [6] Spitzers observations further proved that exoasteroids could exist.

In May 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope captured images of Fomalhaut,[7] a young star located 25 light-years (ly) from Earth. Scientists conducted simulations and tests on Fomalhaut’s asteroid belt, suggesting that it might have formed as a result of collisions involving larger celestial bodies.[7][clarification needed]

Another star known to harbor an asteroid belt is the white dwarf star WD 0145+234. It is believed that WD 0145+234 once hosted an exoasteroid or exoplanet in orbit around it, which was subsequently destroyed, leading to the formation of a significant exoasteroid belt. Due to the star's size, scientists have inferred that the accretion disk encircling WD 0145+234 is highly active, with exoasteroids regularly torn apart by the star's gravitational pull. In 2018, astronomers observed a 10% increase in the star's mid-infrared light, indicating the recent destruction of an exoasteroid, resulting in the formation of a cloud of metallic dust that partially obscures WD 0145+234 from Earth's view, albeit this gas cloud does not significantly obscure the star's light as seen from Earth.[8]

Detection

Exoasteroid being ripped apart by its star

In 2013, astronomers made a groundbreaking discovery of shattered remnants of an exoasteroid orbiting the star GD 61. Upon closer examination, scientists determined that the asteroid had a surface rich in water, originally comprising approximately 26% water by mass, a composition similar to the surface water, primarily in the form of ice, found on the dwarf planet Ceres. This finding suggests the possibility of an exoplanet with liquid water existing around the star at some point in its history. It is theorized that the asteroid met its demise due to interaction with its star, resulting in its fragmentation and the subsequent formation of an asteroid belt around the star.

Following this discovery, scientists employed the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope to analyze the chemical composition of the asteroid. Their findings revealed the presence of magnesium, silicon, iron, and oxygen within the asteroid’s water.[9]

Proposed observational methods

Exoasteroids can be detected through the transit method as they pass in front of their host star, which also enables scientists to observe their shape. Spectroscopy is another valuable tool for identifying distinctive characteristics of exoasteroids, as it allows scientists to detect surface features and gain a deeper understanding of these celestial bodies.

Using past information

Remote sensing of the object ʻOumuamua found it was primordially covered with rocks and metals.[10] As ʻOumuamua is an extrasolar object, the information gathered from its study could provide valuable insights into the composition and characteristics of exoasteroids. Scientists might discover that many exoasteroids share similar characteristics with ʻOumuamua. Additionally, data from past missions that have studied asteroids or comets could offer further insights, although it may not be as directly applicable to exoasteroids.​

See also

References

  1. ^ Enking, Molly (11 May 2023). "James Webb Telescope Reveals Asteroid Belts Around Nearby Young Star - The findings suggest the star Fomalhaut may have orbiting planets hidden among its rings of debris". Smitjhsonian. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Asteroids: Facts". nasa.gov. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  3. ^ a b Gronstal, Aaron (26 January 2023). "Exo-Asteroids and Habitability around M-Dwarfs". NASA. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  4. ^ A low-temperature companion to a white dwarf star, E. E. Becklin & B. Zuckerman, Nature 336 (Dec. 15, 1988), pp. 656-658
  5. ^ Excess infrared radiation from a white dwarf - an orbiting brown dwarf? B. Zuckerman & E. E. Becklin, Nature 330, (Nov. 12, 1987), pp. 138-140
  6. ^ The Dust Cloud around the White Dwarf G29-38, William T. Reach, Marc J. Kuchner, Ted von Hippel, Adam Burrows, Fergal Mullally, Mukremin Kilic, and D. E. Winget, Astrophysical Journal 635, #2 (December 2005), pp. L161–L164.
  7. ^ a b "Webb Looks for Fomalhaut's Asteroid Belt and Finds Much More". nasa.gov. 8 May 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  8. ^ Letzter, Rafi (17 October 2019). "An Asteroid-Smashing Star Ground a Giant Rock to Bits and Covered Itself in the Remains". livescience.com. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  9. ^ "Watery asteroid discovered in dying star points to habitable exoplanets". phys.org. 10 October 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  10. ^ "'Oumuamua NASA Science". nasa.gov. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
Look up exoasteroid in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Exoasteroid&oldid=1219308844"