A telescope in Ladakh, India, observed an asteroid the size of a building swiftly passing by Earth

The GROWTH-India Telescope achieved a significant milestone by capturing an image of a massive asteroid, approximately 116 meters in size—akin to a building—during its nearest approach to our planet.

Observations of Space rock 2011 MW1

This space rock, known as 2011 MW1, was observed closely as it traversed a path only about ten times further from Earth than the moon, utilizing the capabilities of the telescope stationed at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh.

Recognized as a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA), 2011 MW1 zoomed past Earth at an astonishing speed of 28,946 kilometers per hour, showcasing the functionality of the GROWTH-India project in tracking such fast-moving celestial bodies. This rapid pace resulted in an optical illusion where the stars in the background appeared as long trails in the images captured by the telescope.

Remarkable image was disseminated by Varun Bhalerao

The remarkable image was disseminated by Varun Bhalerao, a researcher from the Space Technology and Astrophysics Research (STAR) lab at IIT Bombay, through the social media platform X, highlighting the event.

A joint venture led to the creation of the GROWTH-India Telescope, India’s premiere automated optical research telescope, involving the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum.

GROWTH designed to enable continuous observation of significant astronomical occurrences

This project is part of a larger, global initiative named the Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH), designed to enable continuous observation of significant astronomical occurrences by leveraging a network of observatories worldwide. This ensures that observations can proceed uninterrupted across different time zones, facilitating extensive data collection on celestial phenomena.

The main objective of the telescope is to closely monitor explosive transients and variable astronomical entities, including near-Earth asteroids.

Advanced imaging capabilities of the GROWTH-India Telescope

This tracking achievement underscores the telescope’s prowess in surveilling and analyzing fast-moving celestial objects. Such capabilities are pivotal for comprehending the motions and potential risks these space bodies might pose to our planet.

Astrophysicists have utilized the advanced imaging capabilities of the GROWTH-India Telescope to gather precise information on the composition and trajectory of the asteroid, contributing vital data to the collective international efforts in monitoring and understanding near-Earth objects.