More on Asteroid Toutatis Passing Earth Sept 29th, 2004

Space.Com ^ | Sept 28th, 2004 | Robert Britt

[Denver Ditdat]

The term "Harvest Moon" doesn't have any links to color. It is just the first full moon to occur after the beginning of autumn, so by definition we have a Harvest Moon every year. It was a welcome source of light to farmers working to bring in the crops in the days when artificial light meant candles or oil lamps. Since a full moon rises at sunset, it effectively extended the hours in which they had sufficient light to work in the fields.

That's it. Nothing mysterious or unusual about it at all.

[ApplegateRanch]

You are welcome.

As the stars come out, find a spider-free spot, pull up a chair and watch the sky, while scratching your very pretty kitty.

Later, check out this site for what you're looking at (and for) in the sky:

http://skyandtelescope.com/

Gotta run.

[missyme]

I know I was just reading about it....
It's just so many strange weather phoenamnas are happening right now

[RadioAstronomer]

Isn't it possible for a peice of the Dumbell Size Asteroid coming apart striking earth?

Even if the asteroid split (called calving), the two pieces would continue in the same orbit unless one of them was influenced by an external force.

Other than tidal forces, I do not see this as a threat. BTW, this object is too small (short) to split via tidal forces.

[RadioAstronomer]

They had planned in suggesting A Bomb Missles to go against if if the course changed. It did not.

Who ever made this suggestion does not know what he or she is talking about.

[SlowBoat407]

Running out of days to get my SlowBoat out on the Bay

[missyme]

I know but do you think it can cause some kinda gravitation pull while it passes earth, like when a bus passes?

[missyme]

You should take your boat out by the light of the Silvery Moon :)

[RadioAstronomer]

That was always my idea how to avert the disaster, but I am not a scientist

If the lead time is long enough, you could induce a lateral delta-V (VASIMR, NERVA, ion engine etc.) to alter the orbit of the asteroid.

[Nick Danger]

Toutatis, officially numbered 4179, was discovered by French astronomers in 1989.

The French probably surrendered on the spot, so if it's going to hit the Earth, it will hit France. Talk about a wine press.

[Joe Hadenuf]

[RadioAstronomer]

Okay not to be hokie pokie But we have had some strange weather and how do Astronmers really know if this Asteroid is not pulling on some kind of magnet wave causing gravity pool on earth.

Nope. The object is in a heliocentric orbit that is perturbed by the gravity well of other objects in the solar system such as Jupiter.

[prairie dog]

Buses have gravitational pull?

[steve86]

Anyone who wants to place a bet on the asteroid hitting the earth or Mt. St. Helens erupting can send me money. Spider wagers accepted also. In case of the asteroid bets, better Fed-Ex it.

[Joe Hadenuf]

[missyme]

[missyme]

Yes some busses do..

[RadioAstronomer]

I know but do you think it can cause some kinda gravitation pull while it passes earth, like when a bus passes?

It does exert a gravity tug on the Earth, however, since it is so tiny, the “tug” will not be noticeable or even measurable.

[missyme]

Are you going to view the Asteroid tomorrow in your yard? you seem very Asteroid Knowledgeable....

[RadioAstronomer]

Buses have gravitational pull?

Even you have a gravitational pull. All mass does. However, its pretty tiny. :-)