The OSIRIS-REx mission has provided crucial data on asteroid Bennu, enabling scientists to examine potential effects of a hypothesized fifth force on its trajectory. Although no direct evidence of this unknown force has been found, researchers are refining measurements to search for subtle indicators.
Dr. Yu-Dai Tsai from Los Alamos National Laboratory, along with his team, analyzed both terrestrial and OSIRIS-REx data to detect any anomalies in Bennu's orbit. While definitive confirmations remain elusive, ongoing analyses aim to reduce uncertainties in measurements.
Asteroids like Bennu and those in the Didymos/Dimorphos system are now monitored using advanced tools. Precise tracking of their orbits is vital, as even minor deviations could suggest unknown physical phenomena. The upcoming close approach of asteroid Apophis to Earth in 2029 presents another opportunity for precise data collection and observation of potential deviations unexplained by known forces.
Research also explores theoretical concepts such as ultralight bosons, hypothetical particles that could mediate this fifth force within an Extended Standard Model of particle physics. Unlike gluons, which mediate strong interactions with limited range, these bosons could have extensive influence, similar to gravity, potentially altering asteroid orbits over long distances.
Additionally, dark photons—exotic particles linked to dark matter theory—are being considered as possible influences on the unexplained orbital dynamics within the inner solar system. This line of inquiry suggests that exotic particles may play a fundamental role in cosmic physics and enrich our understanding of fundamental interactions in the universe.
Current research thus creates a bridge between theoretical particle physics and astronomical observation, opening new avenues for knowledge. These investigations aim to expand our model of the universe to include phenomena that have only been hypothesized or partially observed, shedding light on previously obscure aspects of cosmology and fundamental physics.