The ‘Greek hero’ turning blue after going closer to the Sun, this big thing came to know about Asteroid Phaethon

Along with the planets in our solar system, asteroids also float, which revolve around the sun. These asteroids, located millions of kilometers away from the Earth, remain in discussion among astronomers due to their merits. Just as the planets are influenced by the Sun, similarly the asteroids are also influenced by the Sun. In recent research on the asteroid named Bennu, it was found that due to the heat of the Sun, fractures occur on the rocks of Bennu in 10,000 to 100,000 years. It is much faster than Earth, that is, the regeneration of the surface on asteroids is faster than Earth and the same is the case with Bennu. Now information about another asteroid Phaethon has come to the fore. This blue colored asteroid has been tempting scientists because of its colour.

A study has found a correlation between this asteroid’s proximity to the Sun and its blue color. Published in the online journal Icarus Study It has been claimed that strong solar radiation may have something to do with the looks of this asteroid.

Phaethon asteroid discovered in 1983 US space agency NASA (NASA) did it. It was seen through a satellite. This is the first asteroid to be discovered with the help of satellite. Phaethon is named after a Greek hero. This asteroid is special in many ways. It is the only asteroid that causes meteor showers. All other meteor showers originate from comets. Meteor showers emanating from Phaethon are visible in the Northern Hemisphere in the month of December.

The new study says that due to being close to the Sun, the color of Phaethon is blue.

When Phaethon reaches its closest point ‘perihelion’ while orbiting the Sun, it gets heated up to 800 degree Celsius. The intense heat makes strange changes in the chemical composition of this asteroid. The study found that substances such as iron and other organic compounds, which are red in colour, are affected by heat. The heat evaporates them and what remains are dark blue colored elements and chemical compounds. It is because of them that the asteroid shines. However, the answer to one question could not be found in the study as to why only red colored compounds melt.