AI discovers 600-foot asteroid

The AI algorithm HelioLinc3D found a new potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) dubbed Asteroid 2022 GN1, measuring 600 feet in diameter, in a ground-breaking finding. This previously undiscovered asteroid passed 4.5 million miles past Earth in September 2022. While the immediate hazard is low, the discovery raises worries about other unreported PHAs in our galaxy.

The success of HelioLinc3D is based on the analysis of data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), a telescope intended to identify fast-moving objects in the night sky. Because there are possibly more than 3,000 PHAs yet to be discovered, this discovery underlines the need for enhanced asteroid surveillance.

The algorithm will be deployed to process data from the advanced Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, enhancing PHA detection and monitoring. Scientists can organize mitigation actions in the event that an asteroid collides with Earth by properly calculating their orbits and projecting future courses.

While the chances of a catastrophic impact during the next century remain low, continuing advances in asteroid tracking technology are critical for Earth's protection. The Rubin Observatory and HelioLinc3D collaboration gives hope for increased understanding of the universe and environmental conservation.