Scientists have discovered the fastest asteroid ever

After analyzing data obtained by the Vera Rubin Observatory, scientists have identified an asteroid with a record-breaking rotation speed among all known celestial bodies larger than 500 meters in diameter.

This unique object is the asteroid designated 2025 MN45. Its diameter is estimated at approximately 710 meters, and it completes a full rotation around its own axis in just 1.88 minutes. Moreover, the celestial body orbits the Sun within the main asteroid belt.

For asteroids located in the main asteroid belt, there is a conventional rotation speed limit of approximately 2.2 hours. Exceeding this value usually leads to the destruction of the object. However, if a large asteroid rotates significantly faster than this limit, this indicates the high strength of its material.

It is worth noting that most previously recorded rapidly rotating asteroids are classified as near-Earth objects. They fly at distances of up to 50 million kilometers from Earth, which is approximately one-third the distance between our planet and the Sun. Asteroids that approach Earth at distances less than 7.5 million kilometers are classified as potentially hazardous.

As a reminder, scientists have discovered a super-hot object in space that shouldn’t exist.

To be continued…