Main guest, planetary scientist Dr. Dan Durda discussed asteroid Toutatis(1) as well as other developments in the solar system. This is its closest pass since 1353, and it won't be this close again until 2562, he said of the asteroid that will safely come within one million miles of Earth on September 29th.
Should an asteroid the size of Toutatis (3 miles x 1½ miles) hit our planet it would have the impact of a 2 million megaton explosion (more than all the world's nukes), cause an 8.8 quake, and an unbearably loud sound that would shatter glass up to 300 miles away from the crash, he detailed. There are approximately 1100 asteroids passing by Earth, he said, and while we are not in danger of 60% of them, the paths of 40% of them have yet to be identified.
Durda also commented on private ventures which he believes are key to opening up space exploration and travel. He also offered analysis of the finding of methane on Mars, saying that it could indicate some type of life on the planet, though he thinks it is more likely the result of hydrothermal activity.

1. http://space.com/scienceastronomy/toutatis_flyby_040927.html

Viewing Toutatis

Astronomy journalist Dr. Sky(1) briefly discussed viewing Toutatis, during the second half of Tuesday's first hour. Because of the bright Harvest Moon it will be difficult to view the asteroid. However, he said people in the Southern Hemisphere will have a good opportunity to observe the fast-moving Toutatis, if they use a telescope.

1. http://www.drsky.com/

Bumper Music

Bumper music from Tuesday September 28, 2004