379E-415-Well Done

379E-415-Well Done

Author: Albert D. Grauer March 10, 2026 Duration: 2:01
Once every 1,435 days , a 780 foot diameter space rock that my Catalina Sky Survey teammate Carson Fuls discovered makes an annihilation defying close approach to our star. At it's nearest point to the Sun, Carson's well done space rock is traveling at an amazing 93 miles per second and receives 26 times the amount of solar radiation that heats the surface of the planet Mercury to 800F. After Carson first discovered his heat resistant space rock traveling towards it's next hot date with the Sun, it was observed by telescopes in New Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, and England. These data allowed scientists at the Minor Planet Center to calculate it's orbit around the Sun, estimate it's size, and give it the name 2017 TC1. 2017 TC1 crosses the orbits of Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury and can come relatively close to Jupiter on it's extremely elliptical orbit about the Sun. It is possible that in the very distant past the giant planet Jupiter's pull on 2017 TC1 sent it on it's current path around the Sun. In September of 2021, 2017 TC1 will once again be bright enough for asteroid hunters to track as it makes another close approach to our Sun. At this time astronomers with be able to measure the pattern of colors that 2017 TC1 reflects which will reveal it's surface chemical composition. Until then we are left to wonder how it is possible for a space rock to survive on such a harrowing path.

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
314-Our Number [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
The extremely unlikely scenario of an impactor with our number on it.
313-Martian Motherlode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Using ground the penetrating RADAR on the NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists have discovered an ice deposit on Mars the size of New Mexico.
312-200 Yards Of Trouble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
An asteroid which can come to within about an Earth circumference of the surface of our home planet needs watching.
311-Bright and Bald [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Humans are developing the ability to study an Earth approaching object to prepare for one that is on an impact trajectory with our home planet.
310-Ethics and Mars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Should martian microbes be sacrificed to human space exploration.
309-Tiny Atira [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Atira, named for the Pawnee goddess of Earth and the Morning and Evening Star orbits the Sun inside of our path.
308-Planning For Impact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Planning for the unlikely event that an asteroid is on a collision course with planet Earth will minimize injury and the loss of life.
307-Stepping It Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Competition gives humans the best chance to find dangerous objects and tax payers get more bang for their buck.
306-Egg Rock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
The NASA/JPL Mars Curiosity Rover discovers a meteorite on Mars.
305-Murky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A very close approaching asteroid is observed to pass through the Earth's shadow.