Science and Technology question from JKAS Prelims, 2023 by JKPSC
Which of the following can be identified by the Yarkovsky effect?
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option A —
Asteroid mapping
The Yarkovsky effect is a physical force that acts on small celestial bodies, primarily asteroids, as they absorb sunlight and re-emit it as heat.
How the Yarkovsky Effect Works
When an asteroid rotates, one side is heated by the Sun (day side) and the other is cold (night side). As the asteroid rotates, the "afternoon" side radiates that absorbed heat back into space. This thermal radiation acts like a tiny thruster, creating a slight but constant pressure that can:
+1
Alter the Orbit: It can cause an asteroid to drift inward toward the Sun or outward away from it.
Affect Trajectory Predictions: For scientists "mapping" or tracking Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), accounting for this effect is crucial to determine if an asteroid might eventually collide with Earth.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
