US spacecraft impact test may form a century-long meteor shower

On August 31 local time, according to US media reports, a new study found that the rock fragments generated when NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft impacted a near-Earth asteroid in 2022 may form an artificial meteor shower that can last for 100 years.

On September 26, 2022, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test spacecraft successfully impacted a near-Earth asteroid named Dimorphos. This was the world's first test aimed at defending the Earth from the threat of asteroid impacts. At that time, space telescopes on all continents were observing this process. The impact created a "giant crater" on the asteroid, and rock flows splashed into space, presenting bright radiant rays, and the brightness of the asteroid also increased by two times.

Now, the research shows that these fragments generated by the impact will reach near Earth and Mars within 10 to 30 years and produce visible meteors when penetrating the atmosphere. This means that in the coming period of time, people may have the opportunity to witness this unique artificial meteor shower.

As soon as this news came out, it immediately aroused strong interest and widespread attention from astronomy enthusiasts. This meteor shower that may last for a hundred years not only brings people the expectation of observing astronomical wonders but also gives scientists more opportunities to study the characteristics of asteroids and their interaction with the Earth. However, regarding the specific scale, brightness, and frequency of occurrence of the meteor shower, further observation and research are needed to determine. Relevant departments will also continuously monitor the dynamics of these fragments to provide more accurate information and predictions for the public.