843-Possible Impactor

843-Possible Impactor

Author: Albert D. Grauer April 4, 2025 Duration: 2:01
On 27 December 2024 the Atlas group in Chile discovered an object now known as 2024 YR4 which appeared to have a significant chance of impacting Earth 22 December of 2032. The most recent data indicates the chance that 2024 YR4 impact Earth is about 1 in 25,000.  These data indicate our moon has about a 1 in 700 chance to be impacted by this space rock. Even so astronomers are preparing for 2028 when 2024 YR4 willagain come within the range of our instruments.   Current data indicates 2024 YR4 will miss the Moon by less than 1000 miles on  2032 December 22 giving astronauts there a Merry Christmas.

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
324-Newborn Planets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Astronomers are able to view the rare occurrence of planets in formation with the ALMA radio telescope in Chile.
323-Big Splash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
An asteroid impacting into the ocean would create a big splash but not a tsunami.
322-Dust Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Tiny messengers from outer space enter our atmosphere every day. Collect your own beautiful micro-meteorite sample.
321-Dangereous Comet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Humanity should be ready in the unlikely but potentially catastrophic situation in which a comet comes out of nowhere and is heading for planet Earth.
320-WOW What a Ride [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A potentially hazardous asteroid crosses the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. It must be made of durable rocky material to survive its close approaches to the Sun.
319-Lost and Found [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
A 426 foot diameter asteroid is found after being lost for 15 years.
318-Caves of Mars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
It is intriguing to consider that deep inside Mars all of the necessary ingredients for life may be present together.
317-Psyche Water [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
The asteroid Psyche may be one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the solar system.
316-Weird Centaur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
Centaurs are named after the mythical beasts which were half human and half horse perhaps because they have characteristics of both asteroids and comets.
315-See Comets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
2017 will be a good year to view comets with your unaided eye or a pair of binoculars.