Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Near-Earth Asteroid 2024 YR4 and NASA under a new administration

Feb 12, 2025

Kate Howells, a public education specialist at the Planetary Society and an asteroid science expert, discusses the potential threat posed by Near-Earth Asteroid 2024 YR4, which has just a 1% chance of collision with Earth. Finn Burridge, a science communicator from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, shares insights on the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, emphasizing the artistry and innovation in astrophotography. They also explore NASA's evolving landscape under the new administration, highlighting funding challenges and the importance of public advocacy for space initiatives.

01:02:13

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Episode guests

Finn Burridge

Kate Howells

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a 1% chance of collision with Earth, signaling a need for continued observation and tracking rather than panic.

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition encourages creativity and participation from global astrophotographers, showcasing diverse techniques and innovative tools like AI editing.

NASA's operations are currently affected by the new administration, leading to policy changes that require greater stakeholder transparency and advocacy for space initiatives.

Deep dives

Understanding Asteroid 2024 YR4

Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a 1% chance of colliding with Earth, which is considerably higher than the typical 0% chance associated with most asteroids. Even though this asteroid's potential impact date is set for December 22, 2032, experts emphasize that there is no need for panic. Ongoing tracking and observation will help refine its trajectory and increase understanding of its path. This asteroid is roughly 40 to 100 meters in diameter and, while not capable of resulting in a mass extinction event, could still cause significant local damage if it were to collide with Earth.

Intro

2min

Asteroid 2024 YR4: A Close Call

8min

Capturing the Cosmos: The Astronomy Photographer of the Year

10min

NASA's Evolving Landscape: Executive Orders and Space Policy

11min

Congress and NASA: Funding Challenges Ahead

4min

Navigating NASA's Funding Crisis

9min

Uniting for Space: Advocacy and Change in NASA Policies

5min

Exploring Space Risks and Discoveries

12min

Stunning Discoveries and Celestial Wonders

3min

The internet is buzzing about Asteroid 2024 YR4, currently ranked as the highest-threat asteroid in our skies. But is it really cause for concern? Our Public Education Specialist, Kate Howells, breaks down the facts. Then, we shift from potential impacts to stunning space imagery as Finn Burridge from the Royal Observatory Greenwich shares how astrophotographers worldwide can participate in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. Finally, our space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, discuss how the new Trump administration has impacted NASA in its first weeks. Stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, as he explains how we assess asteroid threats using the Torino Impact Hazard Scale.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-2024-YR4-and-a-new-administration

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