Don’t look up: is an asteroid heading for Earth?

Science Weekly

The Guardian

Science

4.2 • 938 Ratings

🗓️ 11 February 2025

⏱️ 20 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In a case of life imitating art, a 100-metre-wide asteroid has triggered global planetary defence procedures for the first time, after telescope observations revealed it had a chance of colliding with Earth in 2032. To find out what happens now and how worried we should be, Ian Sample hears from Richard Binzel, a professor of planetary sciences at MIT and inventor of the Torino scale, which is used to categorise the threat posed by objects such as asteroids and comets. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This is The Guardian.
0:09.0	Science Weekly is supported by Cambridge University Press,
0:14.1	publisher of Brain Boost, Healthy Habits for a Happier Life.
0:20.0	By adopting good lifestyle habits, everyone can live a fuller life,
0:24.6	but while many focus on their physical health,
0:27.6	they rarely consider improving brain health.
0:30.6	But that's every bit as important.
0:33.6	Brain boost, healthy habits for a happier life,
0:36.6	presents clear guidance on leading a more
0:39.6	fulfilling, vibrant life by improving brain fitness, thinking ability, creativity, mood and
0:47.7	well-being.
0:48.8	The book's authors are experts in neuroscience, and it contains evidence-based advice rooted in science.
0:57.1	Find out more and order your copy from cambridge.org slash brain boost.
1:03.1	And science weekly listeners can enjoy 20% off by using the code boost 20 at the checkout.
1:14.3	That's the word boost, then the number 20.
1:27.4	Science Weekly is supported by the UK government. If you are a UK business with a big idea, then Horizon Europe can help with funding.
1:31.1	Horizon Europe is the world's largest research and innovation funding program.
1:37.4	On average, UK businesses have been awarded over £500,000.
1:43.1	The scheme can help bring your idea to life and provide access to collaborators
1:47.4	across the world. Whatever field you work in, Horizon Europe can help turn your idea into a reality.
1:55.7	Get started today at horizoneurok. UK.org.
2:10.9	It's a Hollywood plot for the ages.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from The Guardian, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of The Guardian and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.