Hubble spots first ever head on collision of two asteroids

Astronomers believe they have spotted the first ever head-on collision of two asteroids in space. The Hubble Telescope spotted a strange comet-like object last week, which was circling 90million miles from Earth in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists believe the object, called P/2010 A2, was created by two asteroids travelling five times faster than a speeding bullet. They were possible siblings of the rogue rock blamed for killing the dinosaurs millions of years ago. Lead scientist David Jewitt from UCLA said: 'It would be the first case we've seen of an asteroid smash happening, basically caught in the act.' The object resembles a comet, but its nucleus is severed from its tail. 'It has a very strange appearance, the likes of which we've never seen before,' Mr Jewitt said. Studies of the object - and searches for similar ones - would improve scientists' understanding of how asteroids break apart, information that may be useful to thwart a future asteroid strike on Earth. 'It might help us understand even how to destroy an asteroid and prevent one from hitting us,' Mr Jewitt said. (Daily Mail)