Chinese astronomer describes the two objectives of the Tianwen-2 mission
Chinese astronomer outlines the two objectives of the Tianwen-2 mission.
TroibNews 
China is preparing to launch the Tianwen-2 mission this year, with the goal of exploring a "living fossil" of the solar system and a "rebel" from the main asteroid belt.
The Tianwen-2 mission intends to achieve several objectives in a single launch: it will gather samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and also conduct an exploration of the main-belt comet 311P.
An astronomer from the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently discussed the significance of these two targets and the potential cosmic secrets they may unveil.
Discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, asteroid 2016HO3 is positioned millions to tens of millions of kilometers away from Earth and stands as the first quasi-satellite of our planet. While not a natural moon, this 40-100 meter-wide asteroid shares orbital parameters so similar to Earth's that it continually "wanders" in close proximity to us.
"A quasi-satellite is essentially a small celestial body that orbits the Sun, just like Earth. Its trajectory is quite similar to Earth's. From our perspective on Earth, it appears to oscillate periodically around us. That's why we call it a quasi-satellite," explained Yan Wei, a senior engineer at the NAOC.
Researchers believe that such asteroids hold vital information regarding the early solar system. "These 'cosmic fossils' could reveal details about early solar system composition and evolution," Yan noted.
However, some scientists speculate that asteroid 2016HO3 could be remnants from an ancient cosmic collision.
Once the Tianwen-2 probe reaches its destination, it will take images of the asteroid's surface, assess its rotation patterns, and analyze its composition. "Comparing its material composition with that of the moon and Earth will be the focus of our exploration," Yan emphasized.
The mission also includes an investigation of main-belt comet 311P, a unique celestial body found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter in 2013 by American scientists. This object, which has multiple dust tails and exhibits comet-like features, posed a significant anomaly within the dry asteroid belt. Subsequent observations confirmed that 311P maintains a stable orbit like an asteroid while occasionally emitting dust, leading to its classification as a main-belt comet—the seventh confirmed of its kind and the most unusual one identified to date.
"Main-belt comets are actually a unique type of asteroid, but exhibiting some cometary features. When they get closer to the Sun, they can release materials, including gases and particles," Yan explained.
Traditionally, it is understood that comets originate from the outer reaches of the solar system, where large quantities of ice can be found. When such comets approach the Sun, the ice vaporizes, creating a striking tail.
Situated in the main asteroid belt, which harbors over 90 percent of the solar system's asteroids, 311P challenges the established understanding among astronomers, as this region is deemed too close to the Sun for any celestial body to maintain volatile substances like water ice.
Tianwen-2 is set to explore this "rebel" of the asteroid belt, aiming to uncover its secrets and enhance our understanding of the solar system.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
The Tianwen-2 mission intends to achieve several objectives in a single launch: it will gather samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and also conduct an exploration of the main-belt comet 311P.
An astronomer from the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently discussed the significance of these two targets and the potential cosmic secrets they may unveil.
Discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, asteroid 2016HO3 is positioned millions to tens of millions of kilometers away from Earth and stands as the first quasi-satellite of our planet. While not a natural moon, this 40-100 meter-wide asteroid shares orbital parameters so similar to Earth's that it continually "wanders" in close proximity to us.
"A quasi-satellite is essentially a small celestial body that orbits the Sun, just like Earth. Its trajectory is quite similar to Earth's. From our perspective on Earth, it appears to oscillate periodically around us. That's why we call it a quasi-satellite," explained Yan Wei, a senior engineer at the NAOC.
Researchers believe that such asteroids hold vital information regarding the early solar system. "These 'cosmic fossils' could reveal details about early solar system composition and evolution," Yan noted.
However, some scientists speculate that asteroid 2016HO3 could be remnants from an ancient cosmic collision.
Once the Tianwen-2 probe reaches its destination, it will take images of the asteroid's surface, assess its rotation patterns, and analyze its composition. "Comparing its material composition with that of the moon and Earth will be the focus of our exploration," Yan emphasized.
The mission also includes an investigation of main-belt comet 311P, a unique celestial body found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter in 2013 by American scientists. This object, which has multiple dust tails and exhibits comet-like features, posed a significant anomaly within the dry asteroid belt. Subsequent observations confirmed that 311P maintains a stable orbit like an asteroid while occasionally emitting dust, leading to its classification as a main-belt comet—the seventh confirmed of its kind and the most unusual one identified to date.
"Main-belt comets are actually a unique type of asteroid, but exhibiting some cometary features. When they get closer to the Sun, they can release materials, including gases and particles," Yan explained.
Traditionally, it is understood that comets originate from the outer reaches of the solar system, where large quantities of ice can be found. When such comets approach the Sun, the ice vaporizes, creating a striking tail.
Situated in the main asteroid belt, which harbors over 90 percent of the solar system's asteroids, 311P challenges the established understanding among astronomers, as this region is deemed too close to the Sun for any celestial body to maintain volatile substances like water ice.
Tianwen-2 is set to explore this "rebel" of the asteroid belt, aiming to uncover its secrets and enhance our understanding of the solar system.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
