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
294-Dangerous Duo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Large unknown potentially dangerous asteroids are still out there.
293-From Luna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A rock blasted from the Moon by the impact of an asteroid or comet may be on its way to Earth.
292-Disintegrating Comet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A comet is producing a 3,000 mile long trail of debris as it slowly comes apart.
291-Rose Rules [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Anyone who thinks women can't do computers and science needs to meet my Catalina Sky Survey teammate Rose Matheny.
290-Screaming Aten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
An interesting object is spotted streaking across the night sky at the rate of 17 full moon diameters per day.
289-Strange Comet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A new comet is likely to have the characteristics of a really weird traveler in the night.
287-Heavenly Palace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
China is challenging America's historical preeminence in space exploration.
286-Neighboring World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Astronomers have discovered an Earth sized planet orbiting the closest star to our Sun.
285-Mars Impactors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A given piece of ground on Mars is more likely to be hit by a space rock than is an equal sized area on planet Earth. Someday Martian tourists may be treated to super meteor storms.