Capt_Picard

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  6. Posted

    (99942) Apophis (previously known by its provisional designation 2004 MN4) is a near-Earth asteroid that caused a brief period of concern in December 2004 because initial observations indicated a relatively large probability that it would strike the Earth in 2029. However, additional observations provided improved predictions that eliminated the possibility of an impact on Earth or the Moon in 2029. However there remained a possibility that during the 2029 close encounter with Earth, Apophis would pass through a "gravitational keyhole", a precise region in space no more than about 400 meters across, that would set up a future impact on April 13, 2036. This possibility kept the asteroid at Level 1 on the Torino impact hazard scale until August 2006.

     

    Additional observations of the trajectory of Apophis revealed the "keyhole" would likely be missed and on August 5, 2006, Apophis was lowered to a Level 0 Torino impact hazard scale. As of October 19, 2006 the impact probability for April 13, 2036 is estimated at 1 in 45,000. An additional impact date in 2037 has been identified, however the impact probability for that encounter is 1 in 12.3 million.

     

    Despite the fact that there is no longer any significant probability of an Earth impact, the Planetary Society is offering a $50,000 prize for the best plan to put a tracking device on or near the asteroid.

  14. Posted

    The Schrammie: Can't drive in the snow? This bobblehead is for you

    061101_schrammie.jpg

    Story Published: Jan 17, 2007 at 5:10 PM PST

    Story Updated: Jan 17, 2007 at 6:50 PM PST

     

    By Ken Schram

    Watch the story

    SEATTLE - No one knows your face.

     

    No one knows your name.

     

    But you know who you are.

     

    This week's bobble-head is going out to all the dolts and dunderheads for whom snow and automobiles are an abominable combination.

     

    So, if you're one of those who make winter driving even more miserable and more dangerous for everyone else, take a bow, 'cause this "Schrammie's" for you.

     

    Now, if you're confused as to whether the shoe fits, here are some clues:

     

    -Did you start heading home in the big snow thinking you might not make it, but figured what the heck, you'd just drive as far as you could and then simply abandon your car?

     

    -Did you flip that SUV into 4 wheel drive only to find traction from a quartet of tires on icy roads is no better than just a pair?

     

    -Did you skip class the day the physics teacher explained how objects in motion tend to stay in motion? Or did you just think being uber-courteous and stopping in the middle of an icy hill to let someone pull out of their driveway was the right thing to do?

     

    -Do you drive too darn fast or too darn slow regardless of the road conditions?

     

    Well, if you accept any of the above as identifying characteristics then I ask that at this point you please, stand and take a bow, 'cause this "Schrammie" is for you!

     

    Have something to say to Ken? E-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.

    So, what do you think?