Astronomers Identified Two Ultra-Fast Rotating Asteroids
New findings from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory reveal large asteroids spinning beyond theoretical physical limits.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Space
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Researchers have identified two asteroids larger than two kilometers in width that complete a full rotation every five minutes. These objects were discovered using data from the 10-year sky survey conducted by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile.
Why it matters
The discovery challenges current models of asteroid formation and composition by revealing objects that rotate at speeds surpassing their own gravitational binding limit. These findings suggest the bodies are monolithic structures rather than loosely held rubble piles.
The two asteroids rotate every five minutes, far exceeding the 2.2-hour threshold where gravitational binding is typically overwhelmed. Researchers estimate these bodies may be at least 30 times stronger than clay to maintain their integrity at such speeds.
The players
Vera C. Rubin Observatory
A facility in Chile designed to conduct a 10-year survey of the night sky using advanced wide-field imaging.
The details
Rotation measurements were derived from periodic changes in light reflection caused by the irregular shapes of the asteroids. While objects spinning faster than 2.2 hours generally require significant tensile strength to prevent fragmentation, these large bodies remain intact despite their high rotation. This suggests the asteroids are monolithic, solid objects rather than rubble piles, which are accumulations of smaller fragments held together by gravity.
Timeline
June 2026: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory initiated its 10-year sky survey.
October 2026: The discovery of the two ultra-fast rotating asteroids was reported.
The Tech Race
The discovery follows initial data collection from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory 10-year sky survey, which aims to catalog objects throughout the solar system. The findings update the known limits of asteroid rotation, previously established at 2.2 hours for objects of this scale.
These findings do not currently impact terrestrial operations or asteroid monitoring programs for residents. The discovery provides scientific insights that will likely be used in future models of solar system evolution and asteroid physics.
The takeaway
This discovery forces a reassessment of how large asteroid bodies maintain structural integrity over the 4.6-billion-year history of the solar system. Researchers are expected to perform follow-up observations to confirm the internal composition of these objects.
Further reading
For more on the search for celestial objects, visit Space.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Scientist.
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