A group of astronomers has managed to create a detailed three-dimensional model of asteroid (44) Nysa, establishing that it is the first known three-lobed asteroid that also possesses a small moon. The results of this discovery are presented in a preprint on arXiv.org.
As large telescopes and interplanetary probes allow scientists to conduct more detailed observations of numerous small bodies in the solar system, their dynamic evolution is becoming increasingly complex and diverse. Currently, many such objects are known, possessing from one to three moons, contact binary systems, or even rings. This knowledge helps not only to better understand the evolution of the solar system but also to improve the accuracy of modeling exoplanetary systems.
The group of astronomers led by Kate Minker from the Lowell Observatory presented the results of observations of asteroid (44) Nysa, conducted on February 15 and March 21, 2026, using the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large Binocular Telescope. Additional observations were made between March 3 and April 4, 2026, using the SPHERE instrument installed on the VLT ground telescope complex. To reconstruct the asteroid's volume shape, the researchers also utilized archival light curves collected by several small ground-based telescopes.
(44) Nysa belongs to the large known asteroids of the rare type E, and similar bodies are associated with meteorites containing enstatite. It is hypothesized that they formed from material similar to that which formed terrestrial planets. Although Nysa was discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, it has always interested planetary scientists due to its large size and high albedo, but its exact shape remained unknown for a long time—it was previously suggested that it might be elongated or composed of two parts.
New data allowed Nysa to be classified as a unique object. Eight edge indentations and two depressions were observed on its surface, interpreted as three connected lobes linked by two isthmuses, as well as five craters. This confirms Nysa's status as the first known three-lobed asteroid. Furthermore, a moon with a diameter of about one kilometer was discovered, located at a projected distance of 170 to 180 kilometers. Analysis showed that the surfaces of all lobes have a similar composition, as no obvious changes in color or albedo were observed. The asteroid's rotation period is approximately 6.42 hours, and the equivalent spherical diameter it can be inscribed in is estimated at 75 kilometers.
The researchers put forward two main theories regarding the origin of this unusual system. The first hypothesis suggests that if the body has a high density (over three grams per cubic centimeter), it may have a solid, iron-rich core and formed from a single parent body that survived intense collisions, or it may be a fragment of a protoplanet or planetesimal. However, scientists lean more towards the version that Nysa represents a contact triple system, formed by the merger of three bodies at low velocity. These initial bodies could have been fragments of one object that came into too close contact with another, leading to the deformation of the less dense mantle and its subsequent rupture under tidal forces. Future observations and evolutionary modeling of Nysa will help clarify its structure and nature.
For those who do not yet have a smart speaker at home or wish to buy a gift, Amazon makes a variety of Echo Dot models available in black, blue, and white. All these devices come equipped with the Alexa assistant, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and also offer early access to the Alexa+ service.
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The reception held in the Pakhtakor quarter of the Syrdaryo district served as a practical embodiment of the principle that a person's pain must be heard, their problem acknowledged, and a practical solution found—this is a key indicator of the effectiveness of state institutions' work.
As part of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan's initiative to establish a People's Reception Point in the Syrdaryo region, 213 appeals from 106 citizens were addressed during the reception organized under the leadership of the region's head, Erkinjon Turdimov. Considering that behind every appeal lies a person's fate, family concerns, and faith in the future, all appeals were carefully reviewed with the participation of responsible officials.
During the reception, practical solutions were promptly found for issues that could be resolved on the spot. Appeals requiring further study were forwarded to the relevant organizations, and their execution is under strict control. This serves as another confirmation of the practical approach to ensuring results for every appeal.
According to the analysis, the majority of appeals concerned employment and job placement issues—there were 73 such cases. Additionally, 41 appeals related to housing and cadastre; 36 appeals concerned social protection and material assistance; 20 appeals related to improving communal services and infrastructure; and 17 appeals concerned agriculture and land relations.
Furthermore, 8 appeals regarding entrepreneurship and subsidized loans were accepted, 5 appeals related to healthcare, 4 issues concerning legal and tax matters, and 9 appeals on other topics. These figures clearly demonstrated the areas where the most pressing problems of the population are concentrated.
Residents not only from the Pakhtakor quarter but also from other districts of the district participated in the reception. Heads of state institutions and specialists from relevant sectors personally listened to the citizens' questions, providing legal clarifications and practical recommendations. Where possible, problems were solved on the spot, and for complex appeals, clear deadlines and responsible persons were established.
Most importantly, this event in the Pakhtakor quarter was not a formal occasion but a platform for an open and sincere dialogue between the population and state structures. The citizens who came here not only voiced their concerns but also received practical solutions to the majority of their appeals right there. Appeals requiring further study have been put under control, and specific tasks for their resolution have been assigned to responsible officials.
SpaceX released a new video showing the Starship spacecraft in full space flight, captured during the 13th rocket test on July 24. The footage was obtained by one of the new Starlink V3 satellites, which monitored the vehicle's trajectory after being deployed during the mission.
According to the company, six of the launched satellites were equipped with cameras designed to document the performance of the upper stage of Starship's thermal shield. The material also provided detailed information about the craft's flight, including the operation of some of its engines and attitude control systems during the operation.
The 65-second video presents recordings made by four cameras located on a single Starlink V3 satellite. Initially, the Starship is shown in a closer shot. As the separation between the two vehicles increases, the craft becomes visible in its entirety.
The images also show that three of the six Raptor engines remained operational at certain moments of the flight. Furthermore, small jets of white vapor indicate the use of thrusters responsible for precise orientation adjustments of the craft in space.
The 13th Starship test flight followed a suborbital trajectory, adhering to the pattern of previous missions in the program. The main distinction of this event was the launch of 20 functional Starlink V3 satellites, reaching space for the first time.
Since the mission did not reach orbit, these satellites returned to Earth approximately twenty minutes after being released. However, SpaceX plans to use future versions in orbital missions. A document submitted to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicates that the company aims to operate a constellation composed of one hundred thousand Starlink V3 satellites. Currently, the network has almost eleven thousand Starlink satellites, and the new V3s weigh about two tons each (4,400 pounds), making them larger than the V2 models.
Although the mission was successful, the Super Heavy booster encountered setbacks during its return. During the landing burn, only five of the thirteen planned Raptor engines came online, causing the booster to hit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico at a speed higher than projected. The Super Heavy uses 33 Raptor engines during takeoff.
Despite still being in the development phase, Starship is part of SpaceX's future projects. The rocket is scheduled to participate in NASA's Artemis III mission in mid-2027 and Artemis IV, planned for late 2028.
