Asteroid Bennu's Fragility Revealed by Particle Size and Shape
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that the tensile strength of granular asteroids like Bennu can be predicted by the size and shape of their constituent particles. Larger and more spherical particles result in weaker asteroids, while irregular, flattened chips and fine dust provide more cohesion. Bennu's surface is exceptionally weak, with a strength below 1 pascal, due to the dominance of millimeter-to-centimeter-sized fragments and the absence of fine dust.2 sourcesSee all sources