Amateur astronomers keep their eyes on the prize this week on

planetary radio. Radio. Hi everyone, welcome to Public Radio's travel show that takes you to the final

frontier.

I'm Matt Kaplan. James Mc Gaye and Peter Bertwhistle

are just two of hundreds of the amateur and professional astronomers who are

discovering and tracking near-Earth objects.

Neos are the asteroids and comets that cross the path of the Earth,

sometimes with catastrophic results.

James and Peter are also past recipients of Shoemaker Neo-Grants from the Planetary

Society. These grants have enabled them and many other astronomers to become even better

guardians of our planet. We'll meet them on today's show. Our very own

astronomer Dr Bruce Betts isn't watching for Neos but he does know where to look

for the many planets now visible. He'll share that knowledge along with the new

space trivia contest when we get to our regular what's up segment. And you'll be hearing

from Emily Lochuwala about why we think there are oceans hiding under the icy surface family locked

a walla about why we think there are oceans hiding under the icy surfaces of moons like

Europa.

Leading our space headlines this week is Space Shuttle Atlantis.

It has become the first shuttle to reach the International Space Station this year.

Mission controllers are a bit concerned about a thermal protection system blanket that has come loose,

but the problem is not expected to become serious.

ISS astronaut Sunita Williams will be on board when Atlantis returns to Earth after 11 days.

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