Discover this podcast and so much more

Podcasts are free to enjoy without a subscription. We also offer ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more for just $11.99/month.

231E-243-Comet Ahoy

231E-243-Comet Ahoy

FromTravelers In The Night


231E-243-Comet Ahoy

FromTravelers In The Night

ratings:
Length:
2 minutes
Released:
Apr 25, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Recently a relatively dim object, Comet P/2016 BA14 flew past Earth at about 9 times the distance to our Moon from us. It was the third closest comet approach in recorded history. This situation allowed NASA scientists to use the Goldstone Solar System Radar located in California to obtain detailed RADAR images. These revealed the nucleus of P/2016 BA14 to be about 3000 feet in diameter. It slowly spins once very 35 to 40 hours as it travels on its 5.26 year orbital path around the Sun. Observations by the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea reveal the nucleus to be as dark as fresh asphalt which means it's surface is about 4 times darker than that of our moon.
Released:
Apr 25, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Space, Asteroid Hunting, and Astronomy, an insider view.The music is "Eternity" by John Lyell.Astronomy Asteroids Space NASA Comets Earth Impact