Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe Love, fear, greed, and asteroids (featuring Martin Elvis)
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Dec 3, 2024 Dr. Martin Elvis, an esteemed astronomer at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, dives into the thrilling world of asteroid mining and space resources. He discusses how our emotions—love, fear, and greed—will impact space exploration. The conversation reveals the exciting potential of asteroids for crucial resources like platinum and water, alongside concerns about asteroid impacts. Elvis also explores the future of space habitats and the legal nuances surrounding asteroid ownership, sparking a fascinating debate on humanity's next steps in the cosmos.
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Asteroid Threat
- Asteroids pose a threat to Earth, similar to the dinosaur extinction event.
- Finding and deflecting potentially hazardous asteroids is crucial for planetary defense.
DART Mission Success
- NASA's DART mission successfully altered an asteroid's orbit.
- This marked humanity's first deliberate change to the solar system.
Asteroid Composition
- Asteroids and Earth share similar compositions, excluding hydrogen and helium.
- Differentiation processes cause heavy elements, including platinum group metals, to sink to the core.