Astronomers have identified the largest asteroid ever observed spinning at ultra-fast speeds, according to Phys.org. The object was detected by the Vera Rubin Observatory, the facility reported on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Phys.org describes the find as the biggest ultra-fast rotating asteroid spotted to date. Such objects complete rotations in unusually short periods, though the specific spin rate of this asteroid was not included in the reporting.
The discovery adds to the growing catalog of small bodies tracked by the observatory, which scans the night sky for moving objects. According to Phys.org, this asteroid stands out among previously detected fast-spinning rocks because of its larger size.
Details such as the asteroid's exact dimensions, its location, and the length of its rotation period were not available in the source material. Phys.org's report does not specify whether the object poses any risk or whether follow-up observations are planned.
What to watch next: further observations and published measurements that confirm the asteroid's size and spin rate.
