Astronomy
Asteroid Binary Systems and Their Role in Planetary Defense
Quick fact
The DART mission in 2022 successfully changed the orbit of a small moonlet called Dimorphos around its parent asteroid Didymos, proving that kinetic impact can alter an asteroid's trajectory—a key technique for planetary defense.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard of asteroids, but did you know that some asteroids have their own moon? About 15% of near-Earth asteroids are actually binary systems. Why does that matter for protecting our planet?