Findings from Afar

Abstract

When it comes to asteroids, holding the actual rock from the surface in your hand would be better than looking from afar. But unfortunately, there is no real way to accomplish that task at this time. And there is, without a doubt, a drawback to remotely sensed spectral data, information that we collect from Earth-based telescopes and instruments. Such data cannot accurately determine the relative abundance of the three key minerals present on asteroid surfaces, olivine, pyroxene, and nickel-iron metal. If scientists could measure the amounts of the key elements associated with such minerals (iron, silicates, and so on), then the problem of sorting through the various categories of asteroids would be easier. We may get close some day by visiting one or more via spacecraft, and then, not only would we know asteroids’ true composition, but we would also solve the details concerning the connections between asteroids and meteorites.

The heavens themselves, the planets, and this center Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom, in all line of order.

William Shakespeare

Troilus and Cressida