In a bizarre yet amusing turn of events, an amateur astronomer recently thought they had discovered a new asteroid—only to realize it was actually a Tesla Roadster floating through space. The mix-up highlights the challenges astronomers face when tracking objects in the vastness of the cosmos.
The Case of the “Newly Discovered” Asteroid
On January 2, the Minor Planet Center (MPC), the official organization responsible for tracking asteroids and comets, announced the discovery of an unusual space object. The asteroid was given an official name: 2018 CN41. However, within just 17 hours, the MPC issued a notice stating that 2018 CN41 was not an asteroid at all—but a Tesla Roadster.
Why Is a Tesla Floating in Space?
The red Tesla Roadster was launched into space in 2018 as part of a publicity stunt by Elon Musk’s SpaceX during the maiden flight of its Falcon Heavy rocket. Instead of using a typical dummy payload like a block of concrete, Musk opted for a more unconventional choice—a sports car with a mannequin, named Starman, dressed in a spacesuit.
The launch took place on February 6, 2018, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Launch Pad 39A, the same historic site used for Apollo moon missions.
How Did the Mistake Happen?
The Tesla Roadster’s unexpected reappearance in observational data confused an amateur astronomer, who initially believed they had spotted a near-Earth asteroid. However, with the help of professional astronomers, the Minor Planet Center quickly identified the object as the Tesla Roadster and the upper stage of the Falcon Heavy rocket.
Although the Roadster’s journey through space is well-documented, artificial objects like this are not always included in standard astronomical databases. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) maintains a database called Horizons, which tracks known artificial objects, including the Roadster. However, many such objects remain untracked, leading to occasional mix-ups like this one.
Concerns About Untracked Objects in Space
While this case is amusing, it also highlights a growing concern among astronomers. As more objects are launched into space—whether satellites, space debris, or experimental payloads—tracking them becomes more difficult.
Matthew Payne, director of the Minor Planet Center, noted that reports of artificial objects mistakenly identified as asteroids are increasing. The MPC is now working with NASA’s JPL to improve their systems and filter out artificial objects from asteroid databases.
Astronomers worry that if artificial objects continue to be misidentified, it could complicate efforts to track potentially hazardous asteroids, which are crucial to planetary defense. Without accurate tracking, the risk of missing a real threat to Earth could increase.
The mistaken identity of the Tesla Roadster as an asteroid serves as both an amusing story and a wake-up call for astronomers. While the sight of a car floating through space might seem like science fiction, it’s a real challenge for those monitoring deep-space objects.
With more artificial items being sent beyond Earth, astronomers are urging better tracking methods to ensure that real asteroids—especially dangerous ones—don’t go unnoticed.
