A scientist from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is set to disclose how astronomers track and identify asteroids and other space rocks which pose a potential threat to Earth. The presentation will reveal the latest technologies and methodologies used in the pursuit of these celestial bodies, as well as the ongoing efforts to protect the planet.
Asteroids, meteoroids, and comets, collectively termed as Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), can potentially pose a serious threat to our planet. NEOs are celestial bodies that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to come into proximity with Earth. NASA defines NEOs as space objects that come within 30 million miles of Earth’s orbit.
The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Carrie Nugent, a leading expert in the field, who has dedicated her career to the study of asteroids. She is an asteroid hunter and a staff scientist at IPAC, a science and data center for astrophysics and planetary science at Caltech. Her work involves identifying, cataloging, and tracking potentially hazardous asteroids.
Dr. Nugent utilizes both ground-based and space-based telescopes to identify and track these objects. She has been involved in various missions, such as NEOWISE, an extension of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, which uses infrared imaging to detect, track, and characterize NEOs.
The lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the strategies, technologies, and techniques adopted by scientists in hunting potentially hazardous asteroids. In addition, it will delve into how scientists determine the size, composition, and trajectory of these asteroids.
Furthermore, the presentation aims to shed light on the potential threats posed by NEOs and the ongoing efforts to mitigate any potential risks. This includes the development and implementation of planetary defense strategies to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.
The lecture is part of the Theodore von Kármán Lecture series, a free public event hosted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). These lectures aim to bring the excitement of JPL’s missions, instruments, and other space-related research to both the public and the scientific community.
The lecture will be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and it will be accessible to interested participants around the world. The event is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including students, researchers, space enthusiasts, and the general public.
The findings and insights shared in the lecture will contribute to our understanding of asteroids and their potential impacts on Earth. It will also highlight the importance of continued research and investment in space exploration and planetary defense strategies.
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