334E-353-Backwards

334E-353-Backwards

Author: Albert D. Grauer April 29, 2025 Duration: 2:01
Using the University of Arizona's Large Binocular Telescope atop Mt. Graham in southern Arizona, Dr. Paul Wiegert of Western University in Canada, led a team of astronomers who have determined that a 2 mile diameter object bucks the solar system traffic by traveling in a direction backwards to all of the planets. In their March 30, 2017 article in the journal Nature, these astronomers confirm that 2015 BZ509, travels about Jupiter on a path in a direction opposite to nearly every other member of our solar system. Amazingly it has avoided a collision with Jupiter by using the giant planet's gravity to maintain a path that has been stable for a million years or so. This astounding trick is performed as 2015 BZ509 passes once inside and once outside of Jupiter's orbit as they both travel about the Sun. The resulting effect of Jupiter's timely gravitational pulls on this small asteroid are exactly right to keep it from having a collision or from being ejected from the solar system.

Each episode of Travelers In The Night feels like a quiet, personal conversation under a dark sky. Hosted by astronomer Dr. Albert D. Grauer, this podcast brings the distant cosmos into sharp, intimate focus. Dr. Grauer isn't just an observer; he's an active participant in the hunt, working with the Catalina Sky Survey team that has consistently discovered near-Earth asteroids for years. In these brief and engaging segments, you'll hear firsthand accounts of what it's like to track these ancient celestial travelers-the asteroids and comets that silently pass by our world. The discussions move beyond simple facts to explore the real-world implications of these discoveries, from planetary defense to the sheer wonder of our dynamic solar system. Accompanied by the contemplative music of John Lyell's "Eternity," each installment offers a moment of calm reflection on humanity's place in the universe. It’s a perfect blend of grounded science and cosmic curiosity, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and deeply fascinating. For anyone who has ever looked up and wondered what's out there moving in the dark, this podcast provides a direct line to the front lines of discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

Travelers In The Night
Podcast Episodes
354-Returnee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
What had appeared as a solitary point of light returns to near Earth to reveal that it is two asteroids in a tight dance.
353-Backwards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A 2 mile diameter object bucks the solar system traffic by traveling in a direction backwards to all of the planets.
352-Worth Tracking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Asteroid Hunters Have Found A Very Large Potentially Close Approaching Space Rock.
351-Another Close One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Small Space Rocks Are Part of Our Environment.
350-Asteroid Defense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Earth approaching asteroids are part of our environment.
349-Big and Fast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Large dangerous asteroids can still appear out of nowhere.
348-16 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A snap shot of the kinds of objects which constantly streak past our Earth.
347-Your Space Rock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Holding an object older than any other rock on the ground which is billions of years old and has traveled an unimaginable distance to be with you will be your payoff.
346-Arctic Ice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
The polar ice caps are the smallest in recorded history. Get Ready for wild weather.
345-364days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Interesting objects are zipping by us.