Science Weekly cover image

Science Weekly

Don’t look up: is an asteroid heading for Earth?

Feb 11, 2025
Richard Binzel, a renowned planetary sciences professor at MIT and inventor of the Torino scale, discusses the recent emergence of asteroid 2024 YR4, which threatens a close approach to Earth in 2032. He outlines global defense measures that have been activated, emphasizing the urgency of preparedness. The conversation dives into how asteroids are monitored, the importance of trajectory predictions, and NASA's innovative techniques for potential asteroid deflection. Binzel connects this to historical events, shedding light on our strategies to mitigate asteroid threats.
15:43

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The 100-meter-wide asteroid 2024 YR4 has sparked global planetary defense efforts due to a 2.3% chance of impact by 2032.
  • The Torino Scale is essential for objectively communicating asteroid threat levels to the public and guiding planetary defense strategies.

Deep dives

Understanding the Threat of Asteroids

The asteroid known as 2024 YR4 poses a potential threat to Earth, with estimates indicating a 2.3% chance of impact by December 22, 2032. Measuring approximately 50 meters in diameter, its size is comparable to the object that exploded over Tunguska, Siberia in 1908, which resulted in widespread destruction. Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring such asteroids to mitigate risks as soon as they are detected, allowing global scientists to track their orbits precisely. Astronomers are using advanced technology and data-sharing practices to reduce uncertainties and better predict the asteroid's path.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode