Simple Physics Solves Mystery of Diamond-Shaped Asteroids⠀ ⠀ The previous hypothesis on how asteroids become diamond-shaped involved the spin of the asteroid pushing material up and down to the poles; however, simulations never matched reality. Instead, the modeled asteroids ended up flattened and asymmetrical. Lead author Dr. Tapan Sabuwala explains: We found that these models were missing a key ingredient, the deposition of material. And a simple granular physics model, normally used for the deposition of grains like sand or sugar, could predict the observed shape.⠀ ⠀ The press release includes this fabulous description: Imagine pouring sand or sugar through a funnel. A cocktail of different forces will ensure that it forms a conical pile (like a party hat).⠀ ⠀ Add in the gravity orientation of the asteroids, which is not that of a sandpile, as well as the rotation, and voila. The simulated asteroid had a diamond shape. ⠀ ⠀ Read my full story: buff.ly/3kajkes⠀ ⠀ IMAGE: Two di...