"Dart": this NASA probe intended to deviate the trajectory of an asteroid

Alexis Guilleux (correspondent in the United States), edited by Romain Rouillard 9:19 p.m., September 26, 2022

It's a big first that will unfold above our heads next night.

NASA will try to deviate the trajectory of an asteroid, called Dimorphos, and located eleven million kilometers from Earth.

The "Dart" probe, translation of "dart" in English, will therefore hit this celestial pebble 160 meters in diameter which orbits around another slightly more massive asteroid.

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It will actually be a test since this rock did not present any particular danger for our planet.

On the other hand, this exercise could allow, in the long term, to be able to repel a threatening celestial object.

A situation that seems very unlikely for the time being.  

Impact expected at 1:14 a.m.

If NASA's first-ever planetary defense test succeeds, it would be the first time humanity has managed to alter the trajectory of a celestial body.

The "Dart" probe, launched last November, is approaching its target at 22,000 km/h.

The operation is filmed by a camera, also sent into space.

It will therefore be possible to watch the last moments of this kamikaze probe on the NASA website.

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Around midnight, it should be possible to make out the asteroid for a predicted impact at 1:14 a.m. very precisely.

Telescopes around the world will be watching the situation closely, as it is impossible to predict what will happen, the composition of Dimorphos is still a mystery.

If the asteroid is solid, a small crater will be created, while if it is porous, debris could be sent into space.

However, there is no risk that this NASA test will become a danger to Earth.