Astronomers have identified a rapidly rotating asteroid, designated as 2025 MN45, which completes a rotation in just 1.88 minutes. This finding was reported during the American Astronomical Society’s winter meeting in Phoenix by Sarah Greenstreet, an astronomer from the University of Washington. The asteroid has a diameter of nearly 710 meters and is now recognized as the fastest-spinning asteroid larger than 500 meters.
Data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory was crucial in this discovery. Greenstreet, who leads the observatory’s working group for near-Earth objects, indicated that this research is the first peer-reviewed study utilizing information from the observatory’s LSST Camera in Chile. The team analyzed light variations from over 2,100 solar system objects, focusing on 76 asteroids to determine their characteristics.
Among the findings, 16 super-fast rotators were identified, with rotation periods ranging from 13 minutes to 2.2 hours. Additionally, three "ultra-fast rotators," including 2025 MN45, were noted for their exceptionally rapid rotation. Observations suggest that this asteroid is primarily composed of solid rock, differing from the more common "rubble pile" structures of many other asteroids.