How frequently do comets and asteroids pass near the Earth? How do we detect these objects and ensure they do not pose a threat to us? What can they teach us about the formation of the Solar System? Join us for a 30-minute lecture about near-earth objects, followed by a panel Q&A consisting of several astrophysicists to answer your questions about astronomy and space science.
This public astronomy event will be hosted both in-person as well as live-streamed over YouTube Live. The lecture will be 30 minutes, followed by a 90-minute session of telescope-aided stargazing and a Q&A Panel consisting of experts in the department on a variety of astronomy and astrophysical topics. You can attend in person or interact with us through the YouTube interface. Event is free and open to all, no reservations necessary.
For more information including a link to the YouTube Livestream and directions to Caltech, click on the poster image or visit our webpage:
http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu
Title: Astronomy on our Doorstep: Searching for Near-Earth Objects
Lecturer: Joe Masiero
Abstract:
Asteroids and comets in the inner Solar System are referred to as Near-Earth objects (NEOs) based on their proximity to Earth. These bodies, which formed at the birth of our Solar System almost 5 billion years ago, provide us with important insights about the history and evolution of our Sun and the planets. However, NEOs also pose a hazard to the Earth due to the possibility of collision. In this talk, I will discuss how astronomers discover NEOs, what techniques we use to understand them better, what we can do if we find one that poses the threat of impacting Earth, and the exciting future in store as the next-generation telescopes to study NEOs begin operation.
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