Astronomers recently misidentified Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster, launched into space in 2018, as an asteroid before correcting the mistake just a day later.
A curious case of mistaken identity unfolded earlier this month when astronomers confused a Tesla Roadster, launched into orbit by SpaceX in 2018, for an asteroid. The incident highlights the complexities of tracking artificial objects in space.
Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster was sent into orbit during the maiden flight of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket in February 2018. The vehicle was intended to enter an elliptical orbit around the sun, extending slightly beyond Mars before returning toward Earth. However, it appears that the roadster has exceeded the orbit of Mars and ventured into the asteroid belt.
On January 2, 2023, astronomers from the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics registered the object as 2018 CN41. Just a day later, they deleted the entry after realizing that the object in question was, in fact, Musk’s roadster. The center announced on its website that the registry for 2018 CN41 was removed after it was determined that the orbit matched that of an artificial object, specifically the Falcon Heavy upper stage carrying the Tesla Roadster.
The Minor Planet Center stated, “The designation 2018 CN41 is being deleted and will be listed as omitted.” This quick correction underscores the challenges astronomers face when tracking unmonitored objects in space.
At the time of the misidentification, the roadster was located less than 150,000 miles from Earth, which is closer than the moon’s orbit. This proximity raised concerns among astronomers about the need to monitor such objects, as they could pose risks if their trajectories change.
Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell from the Center for Astrophysics commented on the implications of the error, noting, “Worst case, you spend a billion launching a space probe to study an asteroid and only realize it’s not an asteroid when you get there.” His remarks highlight the potential consequences of misidentifying celestial objects.
The Tesla Roadster, equipped with a mannequin named “Starman” in the driver’s seat, has become a symbol of SpaceX’s innovative spirit and Musk’s penchant for blending technology with entertainment. As it continues its journey through space, the roadster serves as a reminder of the intersection between human ingenuity and the vastness of the cosmos.
As the field of astronomy evolves, the need for improved tracking systems for both natural and artificial objects in space becomes increasingly critical. The recent incident serves as a wake-up call for astronomers and space agencies to enhance their monitoring capabilities to avoid similar mix-ups in the future.
Fox News Digital has reached out to SpaceX for further comment regarding the incident.
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