It was not obvious to the first, and it is not designed to detect moving objects. But in his case, it is possible that his instruments will help learn more about the chemical composition of the asteroid.
As for the Hubble telescope, it was the unfortunate existence of Earth between Demorphos which is the moment of impact. But then he took pictures, showing the expanding debris cloud.
What is its effect on the orbit of the asteroid?
In theory, all this data on the dust plume or column should help learn more about the structure and composition of Dimorphos.
But in the end, it is the effect that this collision will have on the orbit of this “moon” around its asteroid – 11 hours and 55 minutes at the moment – that remains the mission’s raison d’être.
The change, no matter how small, could reveal how much force is needed to deflect an asteroid toward us—if such an operation proves necessary.
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