Caltech is set to host a free public lecture on Friday, October 3, focusing on how scientists identify and track asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth. The event will feature Joe Masiero, a leading researcher in the field and the lead scientist for NASA's upcoming NEO Surveyor mission.
The presentation, titled “Searching for Near-Earth Objects,” is part of Caltech's ongoing Stargazing Lectures series and aims to inform the public about the methods used to protect the planet from cosmic impacts.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Joe Masiero will deliver a free public lecture at Caltech on October 3, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- The talk will cover methods for discovering Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and strategies for planetary defense.
- The event includes a presentation, a Q&A session, and guided stargazing with telescopes.
- A live stream will be available for remote attendees via YouTube.
Understanding the Importance of Near-Earth Objects
Near-Earth Objects, commonly known as NEOs, are asteroids and comets whose orbits bring them into Earth's neighborhood. These objects are remnants from the formation of our solar system nearly five billion years ago. Studying them provides scientists with invaluable data about the origins and evolution of the sun and its planets.
While they are scientifically significant, NEOs also present a potential hazard. The possibility of a collision, though statistically low for large objects, requires constant monitoring and tracking by a global network of astronomers. Understanding their composition, size, and trajectory is the first step in planetary defense.
Ancient Remnants
Most NEOs are believed to be unchanged since their formation at the dawn of the solar system. This makes them cosmic time capsules that hold clues to the conditions present when planets like Earth were first forming.
The Speaker and His Mission
The lecture will be presented by Joe Masiero, a research scientist at Caltech's IPAC (Infrared Processing and Analysis Center). Masiero is a prominent figure in asteroid research, holding a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy, where his work focused on asteroid composition and surface properties.
Currently, he serves as the lead scientist for the NEO Surveyor mission, a next-generation space telescope designed specifically to find and characterize potentially hazardous NEOs. This mission represents a significant leap forward in our ability to detect dangerous objects long before they pose an immediate threat.
About the Caltech Stargazing Lectures
This event is part of a long-running public outreach series hosted by Caltech. The format is designed to be accessible to a general audience, typically featuring a 30-minute talk by an expert, followed by an extended Q&A panel and an opportunity for hands-on stargazing through professional telescopes, weather permitting.
Lecture Focus: Discovery, Tracking, and Mitigation
Masiero's talk will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of planetary defense. He will explain the various techniques astronomers use to discover new NEOs, from ground-based observatories to space-based telescopes.
He will also delve into how scientists analyze these objects to understand their physical properties, which is crucial for planning any potential mitigation strategy. The lecture will address the critical question: what can be done if an asteroid is found on a collision course with Earth?
“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,” Masiero stated.
The presentation will also look toward the future, highlighting the advancements expected from upcoming projects like the NEO Surveyor. These new tools will dramatically increase the rate of discovery and provide more precise data than ever before.
Event Details and How to Attend
The event is open to everyone and is completely free of charge. It offers a unique opportunity for the community to engage directly with a leading scientist in a critical field of research.
In-Person Attendance
- Event: Stargazing Lecture: Searching for Near-Earth Objects with Joe Masiero
- Date: Friday, October 3
- Time: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Location: Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1216 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA.
- Cost: Free
Remote Viewing
For those unable to attend in person, the lecture portion of the event will be broadcast live. Viewers can watch the stream and participate remotely.
- Live Stream Link: Caltech's YouTube Channel
For additional information about the event, interested parties can contact Cameron Hummels at [email protected] or by calling 626-510-2765. Further details are also available on the official Caltech events website.