Lee Billings

Lee Billings, Senior space and physics editor for Scientific American, brings his expertise in space exploration to discuss the alarming asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 2% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. He dives into how astronomers use sophisticated technologies like the ATLAS system to track such asteroids. The conversation also highlights the importance of international collaboration in preparing for potential impact scenarios, drawing parallels to historical events like the Tunguska incident, and stressing the need for continuous monitoring and updates.

Lee Billings, Senior Space and Physics Editor for Scientific American and expert on the Gaia mission, reflects on the groundbreaking achievements of the Gaia spacecraft. They delve into its pivotal role in mapping the Milky Way, revealing discoveries like tidal streams and black holes. Billings discusses the mission's transition to a graveyard orbit and the significance of the collected data for future research. The conversation also touches on what lies ahead for astronomical missions aiming to continue Gaia's legacy.

Lee Billings, Senior space and physics editor for Scientific American, dives into the remarkable journey of the Gaia spacecraft, which expertly mapped the Milky Way for 11 years. He shares insights on its three trillion observations, revealing discoveries about tidal streams, black holes, and asteroids. Billings also discusses Gaia's legacy in galactic archaeology and the future of astronomical exploration, hinting at potential data releases that could unveil thousands of new exoplanets. An engaging look at the end of one mission and the start of another!

Lee Billings, Senior space and physics editor at Scientific American, discusses the alarming news about asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 2% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. He outlines how astronomers monitor such celestial bodies and the technological strategies needed for risk mitigation, including kinetic impactors and nuclear methods. Billings emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in addressing this cosmic threat and describes both best and worst-case scenarios in the event of an impact.

Join planetary science expert Lee Billings as he reveals a tantalizing theory about Mars' history. Dive into the mysterious fate of its moons, Phobos and Deimos, and learn about the possibility of larger, lost moons that fell victim to tidal forces. Discover the dramatic future of Phobos, which is on a collision course with the Red Planet, expected to meet its end in a few million years. Billings brings captivating insights that challenge our understanding of Mars and its celestial companions.