The 365 Days of Astronomy Travelers in the Night Eps. 359E & 360E: One in 100,000 & Finding Spacerocks
Dec 21, 2025
The podcast delves into the fascinating topic of Apophis, a massive asteroid once feared to be on a collision course with Earth. Initial concerns have been laid to rest, indicating a mere one in 100,000 chance of impact over the next century. The discussion shifts to the thrill of hunting for meteorites, offering tips on ideal search locations and essential tools. Listeners learn about the unique characteristics that define meteorites and the excitement of holding a piece of ancient space rock in their hands.
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Apophis Risk Dramatically Reduced
- Apophis once posed a serious impact worry but repeated observations ruled out near-term collision risks.
- Current calculations put its collision chance in the next 100 years at about one in 100,000, though millennial odds rise over time.
Orbit Uncertainty Requires Continuous Monitoring
- Large potentially hazardous asteroids require continuous monitoring because orbital uncertainties grow with time.
- Close passes and interactions with other objects can change long-term collision probabilities, demanding ongoing tracking.
Use Funded Surveys For Planetary Defense
- The NASA Planetary Defense Program funds surveys like the Catalina Sky Survey to scan and monitor potentially dangerous objects.
- Use multiple telescopes and consistent surveying to discover new hazardous neighbors and refine known orbits.