China's soon-to-be-launched Tianwen-2 probe will explore the asteroid 2016 HO3 in an effort to better understand the formation and evolution of the solar system, said an expert of the National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The Tianwen-2 probe, scheduled for launch in the first half of 2025, will collect samples from near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 and explore comet 311P, the China National Space Administration announced on Thursday.
Asteroid 2016 HO3, which orbits stably near Earth and is known as Earth's quasi-satellite, is the first quasi-satellite of Earth discovered by humans. The Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) in Hawaii, USA, first captured the trace of 2016 HO3 in 2016.
However, it is neither a natural satellite of Earth nor a typical near-Earth asteroid. Instead, it is an asteroid that orbits the Sun with nearly identical orbital parameters to Earth, causing it to move in near-synchrony with our planet and "wander" around Earth.
It contains ancient materials from the early solar system, making it a "living fossil" useful for studying how the solar system formed and evolved. Some scientists speculate that this celestial body, with a diameter of about 40 to 100 meters, is likely a remnant of an ancient impact event.
"When the Tianwen-2 probe comes close to it, it will take photos to analyze its morphological features on the surface, rotation characteristics, and other basic physical properties. We will also analyze collected spectral data to examine some of its material components, to find out what is the similarity between its material composition and that of the Moon and Earth? This is a key focus of our exploration this time," said Yan Wei, a senior engineer at the National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
China's Tianwen-2 probe to collect samples from asteroid 2016HO3
China's Tianwen-2 probe to explore asteroid 2016HO3
Local authorities across China are looking to capitalize on the seasonal attractions of spring time, aiming to entice visitors to enjoy scenic landscapes and offering up wider tourism activities to unlock fresh economic potential.
As temperatures rise across China, blossoming floral scenery in both urban and rural areas is revitalizing the tourism market, creating a demand for visitor experiences as more people are keen to head outdoors.
Innovative initiatives are creating diverse new consumption scenarios, and a thriving 'flower economy' is taking shape, transforming seasonal flower viewing into a much more comprehensive consumption ecosystem that spans catering, tourism, and other leisure activities.
In the Zhaoxian County of Shijiazhuang City in north China's Hebei Province, an expansive field of pear trees has entered its full bloom period, providing a picturesque escape for visitors.
Local authorities have also sought to create a vibrant atmosphere at this stunning scenic spot by arranging performances by traditional lion dancers, local delicacies, cultural and creative product workshops, and traditional Hanfu clothing rental and makeup services -- all of which creates a rich and immersive cultural experience for visitors.
In east China's Jinan City, tourists are flocking to the rural Lunan Village to admire the blooming tulips which are filling hillsides with an assortment of color.
Local authorities have introduced a broader tourism-focused model integrating flower viewing with an overnight camping experience, providing over 4,000 campsites, encouraging people to extend their stay and boosting local consumption.
During the just-concluded Qingming Festival holiday, also known as the Tomb-sweeping Festival, hotels and homestays in Lunan Village were almost all fully booked, with the overall tourism revenue reaching some 1.5 million yuan (over 218,700 U.S. dollars) during the three-day holiday.
In southwest China, Lijiang City of Yunnan Province has launched a tourism route integrating flower appreciation and wetland experiences, as well as series of rural leisure activities, attracting visitors who are eager to engage in this idyllic countryside lifestyle.
While tung tree flowers are blooming across the hills of Zheng'an County in southwest China's Guizhou Province, the quiet mountain town comes alive at night with the sound of music.
The unassuming county is in fact the world's largest guitar production base, creating well over 2 million instruments annually, with one out of every seven guitars worldwide being made here.
The county is looking to tap into its local strengths by combining its natural beauty with cultural events such as concerts and live acoustic performances, enhancing its appeal and driving local economic growth.
Spring-time tourism blossoms in China as scenic landscapes, leisure activities drive consumption
