Podcast Summary
Could an asteroid collision like in 'Armageddon' really happen?: Yes, asteroid impacts on Earth are rare but possible, and could cause significant damage. NASA and other space agencies are working to monitor and mitigate potential threats.
The latest NASA asteroid mission, DART, successfully collided with an asteroid, but it will take some time to determine the extent of its impact on the asteroid's trajectory. Meanwhile, in pop culture, the film "Armageddon" depicts a similar scenario, raising the question: could such an event really happen in real life? The answer is yes, according to experts. Asteroid impacts on Earth are not uncommon, but most are small enough to go unnoticed. However, a large enough impact could cause significant damage. NASA and other space agencies are constantly monitoring near-Earth objects and working on technologies to deflect or destroy potential threats. Back to the present, and the world of advertising. This Mother's Day, consider showing your appreciation with a thoughtful gift from Blue Nile. With a wide selection of exquisite pearls and mesmerizing gemstones, you're sure to find the perfect piece to express your love. Plus, enjoy fast shipping options and up to 50% off at blue Nile dot com. Lastly, for those looking to start their weight loss journey, PlushCare offers online consultations with board certified physicians who can prescribe FDA approved medications for those who qualify. Take charge of your health and get started today at plushcare.com/weightloss.
Tracking and monitoring asteroids: NASA and other space agencies are identifying and cataloging all asteroids larger than a kilometer, with over 95% known and monitored. The remaining 5% pose a lower risk as they impact Earth on long timescales.
While the threat of a large asteroid impact causing mass destruction is real, we have made significant strides in detection and prevention. The film's portrayal of a team drilling into an asteroid to detonate a nuclear bomb is a fictional solution to this problem. In reality, NASA and other space agencies are working to identify and catalog all asteroids larger than a kilometer, with over 95% of these objects now known and monitored. The remaining 5% of these large asteroids pose a much lower risk, as they only impact the Earth on millions to tens of millions of year timescales. Steve Chesley, a senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, focuses on keeping track of asteroids and ensuring we avoid an Armageddon-style surprise asteroid impact. The good news is that the likelihood of a large, unknown asteroid striking Earth in the near future is extremely low.
Identifying and monitoring asteroids in our solar system: Though the risk of a large asteroid impact is low, smaller ones pose a more immediate threat. NASA and other agencies work on deflection techniques, but locating all potential threats is a challenge as only 40% of large asteroids have been found.
While the threat of a large, humanity-destroying asteroid impact is low, smaller asteroids pose a more imminent risk. NASA and other space agencies are working on deflection techniques, such as sending spacecraft to collide with asteroids and change their course. However, identifying all potential threats is a challenge, as only 40% of asteroids larger than 150 meters have been located. Professor Katherine Haymonds, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, explained that the majority of asteroids are in our solar system and located in the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. Most asteroids do not pose a threat to Earth, but the unknown number and location of larger asteroids highlights the importance of continued monitoring and research.
Detecting the Unseen 60% of Asteroids: Though we've identified 40% of asteroids, the remaining 60% are harder to detect due to size or distance. Scientists are working to improve detection with projects like the Vera Rubin Observatory.
While we have identified 40% of asteroids in our solar system, the remaining 60% are harder to detect due to their small size or great distance from Earth. This is compared to counting humans on a high street, where we can easily see most people, but estimating the number of ants is more challenging. These unseen asteroids are either too far away or too small to be detected, but scientists are working on improving our capabilities with projects like the Vera Rubin Observatory. Despite the uncertainty, we have good estimates based on what we've discovered so far.
Discovering Hazardous Objects in Our Solar System with LSST: Scientists are building a massive telescope, LSST, to detect and map hazardous objects in our solar system, giving us time to react if necessary. Drillers and astronauts have unique paths to expertise, but no definitive answer on which is quicker to train.
Scientists are building a massive telescope in Chile to identify potentially hazardous objects in our solar system, giving us ample time to act if necessary. However, an intriguing question was raised about whether it's quicker to train a driller to be an astronaut or vice versa. While both professions have unique paths to expertise, a definitive answer wasn't available. The telescope, known as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), will be one of the biggest on the planet and will help us detect and map out hazardous objects in our solar system. If any of these objects are heading towards Earth, we'll have a reasonable amount of time to react. The LSST is expected to be operational by the mid-2020s. As for the training comparison, drillers typically work their way up through the ranks on an oil rig, while astronauts undergo rigorous training for two years before specializing in a mission. Despite this, Bruce Willis seems to make his own rules. It's an interesting thought experiment, but unfortunately, no definitive answer was provided during the research for this radio segment.
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