Asteroids can be structurally disrupted or destroyed by increasing their rotation rate
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 89/100
Asteroids can indeed be structurally altered, reshaped, or disrupted as thermal radiation torques (the YORP effect) increase their rotation rates over time.
Evidence for · 4
Spin Rate of Asteroid (54509) 2000 PH5 Increasing Due to the YORP Effect
2007 · cited by 156
Paper [0] confirms that sunlight torques via the YORP effect continuously increase asteroid spin rates, a primary mechanism leading to structural deformation or binary formation.
See more details
More for · 3
The dynamic geophysical environment of (101955) Bennu based on OSIRIS-REx measurements.
2019 · cited by 24
Paper [1] notes that Bennu's top-shape morphology and surface slope transitions are consistent with past spin-induced failure driven by rotational acceleration.
YORP effect on the evolution of asteroid spin states
2019 · cited by 3
Paper [8] reviews how the YORP effect causes significant changes in the spin rate and obliquity of asteroids over millions of years, driving structural evolution.
Boulder populations and orientation trends on asteroid Ryugu: implications for rubble-pile surface processes.
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [11] discusses how YORP-driven spin-up leads to regolith migration and morphological changes in rubble-pile asteroids.