OSIRIS-REx Sheds Light on Hazardous Asteroid Bennu

The video discusses the challenges in predicting the trajectory of asteroid Bennu due to gravitational and non-gravitational forces, such as the Yarkovsky effect. It highlights the potential impact scenarios if Bennu passes through gravitational keyholes. The Osiris Rex mission significantly improved our understanding of Bennu, reducing uncertainties in its predicted orbit and ruling out several impact scenarios. This research helps in better modeling Bennu's orbital evolution and assessing future risks.

What challenges do scientists face in calculating Bennu's future trajectory?

Explain the Markowski effect and its impact on asteroids.

What are gravitational keyholes and how do they relate to Bennu's trajectory?

How did the Osiris Rex mission contribute to our understanding of Bennu?

Discuss the significance of reducing uncertainties in Bennu's predicted orbit.