Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Asteroid fragmentation is the study of how asteroids break apart or shatter into smaller pieces. This area of research is important for understanding the processes that lead to the formation of asteroid families, as well as the potential impact hazards posed by asteroids. Scientists study asteroid fragmentation through computer simulations, laboratory experiments, and analysis of observations of actual asteroid collisions and breakup events. Understanding how asteroids fragment can also provide insights into the composition and structure of these celestial bodies.