Gresham College Lectures Asteroid Adventures - Chris Lintott
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Apr 28, 2025 Asteroids have shifted from being seen as nuisances to vital keys in understanding our Solar System. Discover the upcoming Lucy mission set to explore Trojan asteroids and learn about the OSIRIS-REx samples from Bennu. The podcast dives into the unique rotation behaviors of asteroids, their dynamic lives, and the threats they pose to Earth. Historical impacts, including the dinosaur extinction, are examined alongside advancements in tracking potentially hazardous asteroids, showcasing how our cosmic knowledge is evolving rapidly.
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Asteroid Origins of Planets
- The early discovery of numerous bodies between Mars and Jupiter once increased the number of planets to 12 or 13.
- These were later reclassified as asteroids, stabilizing the count to eight planets today.
Jupiter Shapes Asteroid Belt
- Most asteroids cluster between Mars and Jupiter, forming the main belt.
- Jupiter's gravity clears its orbit, creating a gap and preventing asteroids from staying close.
Slow Rotation Mystery
- Asteroid Donald Johansson has a very slow rotation period of about 251 days.
- This unusual slowness suggests a more gentle origin, possibly from crater formation rather than violent collision.