This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...a must for when online privacy matters. Check out our great New Years deal by visiting www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
Space Nuts Episode 493: Asteroids, Cosmic Debris, and the Origins of Life
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this action-packed episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the fascinating world of asteroids and their implications for life on Earth. From the potential threat of asteroid 2024 YR4 to the surprising discovery of a Tesla Roadster masquerading as a space rock, this episode is filled with intriguing stories and scientific insights that will captivate your imagination.
Episode Highlights:
- Asteroid 2024 YR4: Discover the latest findings on asteroid 2024 YR4, which could come perilously close to Earth in 2032. Jonti explains the ongoing observations and calculations that are helping astronomers refine its orbit and assess the potential threat it poses.
- Not an Asteroid: A new discovery reveals that a supposed asteroid was actually Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster launched into space. Andrew and Jonti discuss the implications of misidentifying space debris and the need for better tracking of objects in our solar system.
- Osiris Rex Mission Insights: Learn about the groundbreaking results from NASA's Osiris Rex mission, which brought back samples from the asteroid Bennu. The findings suggest that asteroids like Bennu could have delivered essential building blocks for life on Earth, including amino acids and nucleobases.
- Solar System Dynamics: Jonti discusses a new study exploring how a rogue planet may have disrupted the orbits of our solar system's planets, providing insight into the unique characteristics of our planetary system compared to others.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
If you'd like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about
Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topics
02:15 - Discussion on asteroid 2024 YR4 and its potential threat
10:30 - The Tesla Roadster misidentified as an asteroid
18:00 - Insights from the Osiris Rex mission and its findings
26:45 - Richie planets and solar system dynamics
30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
✍️ Episode References
NASA's Osiris Rex Mission
https://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Tracking
https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/
Tesla Roadster in Space
https://www.space.com/tesla-roadster-asteroid
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
