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Tesla Roadster Mistaken for Near-Earth Asteroid in Latest Space Observation

Writer's picture: Jenni AdammsJenni Adamms

WCTU CLEVELAND 13 — A routine space observation took an unexpected turn in January when astronomers announced the discovery of a new near-Earth object. Initially categorized as a potential asteroid, the object was flagged for its close proximity to Earth, coming within 150,000 miles. However, within a day, the discovery was retracted when scientists identified the object as the Tesla Roadster launched into space by SpaceX in 2018.


The electric vehicle, famously used as the payload for the maiden flight of the Falcon Heavy rocket, has remained in an eccentric orbit around the Sun for six years. Originally intended as both a publicity stunt and a demonstration of the rocket’s capabilities, the car, piloted by a mannequin in a spacesuit named "Starman," continues to drift through space.


Astronomers tracking the Roadster's trajectory note that its orbit is unpredictable due to potential gravitational interactions with planets, including Earth. Researchers have calculated that over millions of years, the vehicle has a 22% chance of eventually colliding with Earth, a 12% chance of impacting Venus, or a possibility of being pulled into the Sun.


While the odds of an imminent impact remain extremely low, the Tesla’s reappearance in space monitoring systems underscores the complexity of tracking artificial objects in orbit. As close encounters with planetary bodies can alter its trajectory, scientists continue to monitor the car’s movement to refine future predictions.


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