Just in from Nature Communications (vol. 17): Ryan, A. J. Ballouz, R-L. Macke, R. J. et al. Low thermal inertia of carbonaceous asteroid Bennu driven by cracks observed in returned samples 2443 s41467-026-68505-1 Thermal inertia- the ability to retain or… Read More »Note, Paper: ‘REx Cracks Facts
In Earth and Planetary Science Letters for April (vol. 679): Libourel, G. Portail, M. Guigoz, V. et al. Low temperature brine formation by serpentinization on asteroid (162,173) Ryugu Art 119885 .119885 We know water existed in the early Solar System,… Read More »Note, Paper: Ryugu Vieux Pot-Au-Feu
That DART program just keeps on delivering. Via the Spacepod podcast: www.listentospacepod.com/episodes/2026/3/3/232-how-many-potholes-are-on-an-asteroid DART science team member Dr. N. Chabot speaks about the mission results. Have a listen.
Previously, we determined that near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4 would not threaten the Earth in the 2030s (or on any other near-term apparition). But the possibility of an impact on our Large Achondrite satellite had not been ruled out yet. Should YR4… Read More »2024 YR4 No Risk (…At All)
Yet again, the February issue of A&A (vol. 706) still says “in progress”. But March is up, so here goes: Carruba, V. Sfair, R. Winter, O. C. The dynamically hazardous asteroid 2025 TV10 – A new co-orbital asteroid of Venus … Read More »Note, Paper: Hot Mess (or Not)
From Nature Partner Journal Microgravity: Santomartino, R. Blanco, G. R. Gudgeon, A. et al. Microbial biomining from asteroidal material onboard the international space station s41526-026-00567-3 Relating to a brief mention I gave: microbes can be used to refine metals and… Read More »Note, Paper: High Biomining Writeup
Want a quick explainer of Interstellar Objects (‘Oumuamua, Borisov, and ATLAS)? Look no further: www.snexplores.org/article/interstellar-objects-stars-comicInterstellar objects: Visitors from other stars! Something fast, to the point, and most importantly verifiable. Show this to family, friends, etc. that have questions about the… Read More »Color Interstellar Object Comic
In the recent papers of JGR: Planets (Journal of Geophysical Research): Cambioni, S. Weiss, B. P. Baijal, N. et al. Formation of Asteroid (16) Psyche by a Giant Impact 2025JE009317 One thing’s not up for debate: (16) Psyche is metal-rich.… Read More »Note, Paper: Psyche Strike Writeup
Again, more goodies in Space Science Reviews for the new year (volume 222): Zhang, R. Zhang, H. Liu, J. et al. Tianwen-2 Mission of China’s Planetary Exploration Program 11 s11214-026-01268-9 The Tianwen-2 mission, launched last year, will rendezvous with asteroid… Read More »Space Science Reviews Tianwen-2
Nothing from Space Science Reviews for a while, then Boom (vol. 222): Palomba, E. Dirri, F. Gisellu, C. et al. VISTA: Dust and Volatile Sensor for the ESA Hera Mission 10 s11214-026-01266-x The Hera mission to asteroid Didymos and its… Read More »Space Science Reviews Milani-VISTA