The astronomical satellite which began to be called WISE in its main mission and then NEOWISE during a new mission not initially planned, ceased its activity several months ago and now no longer exists.
Originally launched into space by NASA under the name WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) in December 2009, as part of the mission of the same name, this space telescope observed the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, detecting asteroids, dim stars and some of the faintest galaxies detectable in deep space. WISE ended its primary mission when it ran out of cryogenic coolant and went into hibernation in February 2011. It returned to service in December 2013 when NASA’s Planetary Science Division gave it a new name and mission, “NEOWISE “, with the aim of identifying asteroids. and comets throughout the solar system, with particular attention to those passing close to Earth’s orbit.
When asteroids pass close enough to the Sun, the radiation they receive from it heats them and they subsequently release this heat in the form of faint but telltale infrared radiation. By studying this infrared signature, experts can, among other things, discover the size of an asteroid and, by combining this information with measurements taken with optical telescopes, obtain additional data. Combining this information can help determine the degree of reflectance of its surface and thus gain clues about its composition.
NEOWISE has observed more than 3,000 celestial bodies passing close to Earth (and which could potentially pose an impact risk), helping us better understand our potentially dangerous neighbors in the solar system. In fact, NEOWISE’s observations of 215 of these stars were the first in history. It also made infrared measurements of more than 44,000 objects in the solar system. And it discovered 25 comets, including one named after the mission and which fascinated observers around the world in 2020. The data collected on the mission was used in two thousand studies published in academic journals.
Artistic recreation by WISE / NEOWISE with a background landscape taken from one of their photographs of the firmament in the infrared band. The chain of red dots near the center of the image corresponds to the passage of Holda, the first asteroid that this space telescope detected shortly after it was reactivated in 2013. (Image: NASA JPL/Caltech)
The arrival of a periodic increase in solar activity heated Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing it to expand and creating drag for NEOWISE. This, without having the propulsive capacity to counteract the effects of this atmospheric expansion, was inexorably losing altitude. Its orbit became too low for the spacecraft to provide usable scientific data.
Given this situation, NASA has decided to officially retire NEOWISE from active service. On July 31, 2024, the spacecraft ceased its scientific activity and sent the remaining scientific data back to Earth. On August 1, the mission team gave the spacecraft the final order to disconnect the transmitter.
On November 1 (or 2, depending on your time zone), NEOWISE completed atmospheric reentry, burning up and breaking up in the atmosphere. (Fountain: NCYT by Amazings)
Interview: The Legacy of NEOWISE – A Conversation with Dr. Emily Harper, Astrophysicist
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Harper! Thank you for joining us today to discuss NEOWISE and its impact on our understanding of space.
Dr. Emily Harper: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about such an exciting topic.
Time.news Editor: NEOWISE has recently ceased its operations, marking the end of an important chapter in astronomical research. Can you remind us what NEOWISE set out to do and why it was so significant?
Dr. Emily Harper: Absolutely. NEOWISE, originally launched as WISE in 2009, had a dual mission. First, it aimed at surveying the entire sky in infrared wavelengths, detecting not only asteroids but also dim stars and distant galaxies. After its initial mission ended in 2011, it was reactivated in 2013 under a new mission focused on identifying asteroids and comets, particularly those that come close to Earth’s orbit. This was crucial for planetary defense and understanding the dynamics of our solar system.
Time.news Editor: It seems that NEOWISE was a pivotal tool in identifying celestial bodies that could potentially be hazardous to Earth. Can you share how it accomplished that?
Dr. Emily Harper: Yes, NEOWISE was adept at detecting the infrared radiation emitted by asteroids as they absorbed heat from the Sun and then re-released it. By studying this signature, scientists could determine the asteroids’ sizes and glean information about their surfaces. This data, when combined with measurements from optical telescopes, allowed for greater insights into their compositions—a vital step in assessing any potential impact risks.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! NEOWISE observed over 3,000 celestial bodies. What were some of the most significant discoveries made during its mission?
Dr. Emily Harper: NEOWISE’s contributions were extensive. It provided the first infrared measurements of 215 asteroids, which was groundbreaking. Additionally, it discovered 25 comets during its active years, including one that became quite famous in 2020. This enhanced our understanding not only of these individual objects but also of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the potential risks they pose.
Time.news Editor: With NEOWISE now out of commission, what does this mean for future asteroid research and planetary defense?
Dr. Emily Harper: While NEOWISE’s loss is significant, the mission has laid a strong foundation for future research. The data it collected will continue to be analyzed for years to come. Moreover, other missions, like NASA’s upcoming DART mission, aim to further our understanding of asteroid impact mitigation. So, while one chapter has closed, many more are set to open as we continue to explore and safeguard our home planet.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like we have a lot to look forward to! In your opinion, what is the next big challenge for astronomers studying near-Earth objects?
Dr. Emily Harper: I believe the next big challenge will be not just to discover more near-Earth objects, but to develop effective strategies for deflection and mitigation. As we identify more potentially hazardous asteroids, having a plan that can be implemented in a timely fashion is crucial. Also, continued public engagement and education on the risks and advancements in planetary defense will be very important.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harper, for sharing your insights with us today. As NEOWISE takes its place in the annals of astronomical history, it’s clear that our quest to understand and protect our planet will continue through the dedication of experts like you.
Dr. Emily Harper: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for astronomy, and I’m thrilled to be part of the ongoing conversation.