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Astronomers Discover Fewer Potentially Hazardous Asteroids Near Earth than Initially Predicted

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astronomer using Zwicky Temporary Facility (ZTF) investigated. Taurus resonance groupa large interplanetary system containing Comet 2P/Encke, several meteor showers, and possibly numerous near-Earth asteroids.

This image taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows comet 2P/Encke running along a pebble trail of its debris. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Minnesota.

“We can take advantage of the unique opportunity that this asteroid swarm has to approach Earth to more efficiently search for celestial objects that may pose a threat to Earth,” said Dr. Kuanji Ye, an astronomer at the University of Maryland. ” he said.

“Our results suggest that the risk of impact from large asteroids in the Taurus group is much lower than we thought, which is good news for planetary defense.”

Prior to this study, astronomers had predicted that the Taurus resonance complex contained a significant number of large kilometer-sized space rocks, probably left behind by large objects up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) wide. I was guessing.

If a large object were to hit Earth, like the Chelyabinsk asteroid in 2013, it could cause regional damage.

Even larger objects can cause extinction-level events, like the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs more than 66 million years ago.

“Fortunately, we found that there are likely only a small number of asteroids in this large size class, perhaps only nine to 14, in this population,” Dr. Ye said.

“Judging by our findings, the parent object that first spawned the swarm was probably closer to 10 km (6.2 miles) in diameter, rather than a giant 100 km diameter object.”

“We still need to be cautious about asteroid impacts, but knowing this result will probably help us sleep better.”

The Taurus swarm holds important clues about planetary evolution, especially because of its association with Comet Encke.

This comet has the shortest orbital period of any known comet, at just 3.3 years.

It is also unusually large and dusty for a short-period comet that orbits the sun within 200 years.

Considering all available evidence, scientists believe that Encke has experienced significant fragmentation in the past and may continue to do so in the future.

“Studying the Taurus swarm helps us understand how small objects like comets and asteroids form and break up over time,” said Dr. Ye.

“Our research has implications not only for asteroid detection and planetary defense, but also for our broader understanding of the solar system's celestial bodies.”

The researchers presented their findings. findings this week's DPS56Annual Meeting of the Planetary Science Division of the American Astronomical Society.

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Yosenshi others. 2024. In search of potentially dangerous asteroids in the Taurus resonance group. DPS56

Source: www.sci.news

Miracle Needed for White Christmas Wishes, extensive warmth predicted

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Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

If so, that dream may have to wait until 2024. Above-average temperatures are expected across much of the United States from December 21-27.

For the second year in a row, weather conditions across the country for the week ending December 25 are expected to be characterized by widespread shortages of cold air and precipitation, the two elements necessary for snow formation.

However, in some northern and mountainous regions, old snowpack from previous winter storms could help us have a white Christmas. This includes parts of the Rocky Mountains, Cascades, Sierra Mountains, and the northernmost parts of Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine.

Official definition of white Christmas According to the National Weather Service, this refers to the state in which at least 1 inch of snow has accumulated on the ground as of 7 a.m. local time on December 25. Snow can be old or new.

Outside of 2023, the chances of a white Christmas are generally fading away for much of the country, in part due to climate change.

When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updates its information Probability of white Christmas The study, based on typical weather conditions for thousands of locations across the United States from 1991 to 2020, found that more than half of weather stations had a higher chance of a white Christmas compared to the period before 1991. It was found that it was decreasing.

In the latest releaseNOAA scientists say that while direct comparisons of snowfall amounts on specific days over decades are more tied to daily weather patterns, the probability of a white Christmas is more likely to be due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns across the country. It reflected trends, which are consistent with the effects of climate change, he said. climate change.

NOAA officials said in a statement that “there were more areas where the likelihood of a white Christmas decreased than where the likelihood of a white Christmas increased,” and these results reflect long-term global warming. It added that this is consistent with the data on

Compared to past decades, the cities where the probability of a white Christmas has decreased most dramatically are Denver (down from 40% to 34%), Minneapolis (down from 80% to 74%), and Chicago (down from 41%). 34%). %), Columbus, Ohio (29% to 23%).

17% of St. Louisans are now more likely to experience a white Christmas than 13% of New Yorkers. And Minneapolis has a better chance at 74% than Buffalo’s 53%. The odds for buffalo are about 50/50, but this is due to fluctuations associated with lake-effect snow events during the early winter months of each year.

There were also some surprising associations between major cities, including Seattle and Washington DC (both 4% chance) and Chicago and Denver (both 34% chance).

With 2023 set to be another harrowing year for those wishing for a white Christmas, it might be time to rethink the lyrics of Christmas classics.

Source: www.nbcnews.com