Title: Avenging the Dinosaurs: Radar Observations for Planetary Defense

Speaker: Dr. Edgard G. Rivera-Valentín (Lunar and Planetary Institute)

Abstract: On a nearly daily basis, Earth is impacted by dust, meteoroids, and even small asteroids, which typically burn up in the atmosphere producing what we call “shooting stars”. We also know that Earth has been hit by much larger and more devastating objects. In fact, a large impact is thought to have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Luckily, unlike the ancient terrible lizards, we have a space program and can work to defend Earth against such events. To do so, we need to know where hazardous objects are today and where they’ll be in the future, and we must also characterize them well enough so we can put together impact mitigation plans. Radar observations, such as those that were conducted at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, are invaluable for such measurements. Join Dr. Ed Rivera-Valentín to learn how radar and other observations can help keep us safe!

This virtual lecture is free and recommended for the general public and students above 6th grade.