Solar farms could help find dangerous asteroids, scientist says

image via Space.com

August 5, 2025, 10:00 AM

• •Scientists are repurposing heliostats, normally used for solar energy, to detect asteroids at night.
• •The heliostat method tracks an object's movement across the sky, converting it into a frequency signal to identify asteroids.
• •The project is in its early stages, with initial testing and simulations underway, and seeks funding and partnerships for further development.

Sandia National Laboratories is using heliostats, large motorized mirrors, to detect asteroids. These mirrors, usually used for solar energy, are repurposed to concentrate starlight at night, similar to how they concentrate sunlight during the day. The heliostat method tracks the movement of objects across the sky, converting this motion into a frequency signal to identify potential asteroids. This innovative approach aims to be a cost-effective way to augment existing astronomical observatories and enhance planetary defense.

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