An Imminent Asteroid Encounter

Spain’s La Sagra Observatory discovered Asteroid 2012 DA14 just a year ago. Now it’s nearing Earth once again.  Jaime Nomen of La Sagra is back to prepare us for this very close flyby. Emily Lakdawalla is touched by a tribute to fallen astronauts on Mars.  Bill Nye presents more evidence that the time has come for commercial space development. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan think there's a bowl over our heads that is pretty super. They also present the chance to win a Planetary Society hoodie.  NOTE THE LINK TO THE NEW WHAT'S UP! CONTEST ENTRY FORM BELOW.

Related Links

• Guide to Asteroid 2012 DA14 Super Close Approach, Including Bruce's Video
• Two Great New Views of Curiosity on Mars
• Rosetta over Mars--One of Emily's Alltime Favorite Images
• CONTEST: Planetary Science is Cheap!  Submit Your Comparison

Trivia Contest

This week's prize is a Planetary Society hoodie!  (Large size only)

This week's question:
In Earth years, how long is a Sedna year? 

To submit your answer:
Complete the contest entry form at http:planetary.org/radiocontest no later than Monday, February 11, at 2pm Pacific Time.

Last week's question:
What is the largest known Near Earth Asteroid?  (Defined as those that come within 1.3 AU of the Sun.)

Answer:
The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:
Who was the test pilot that flew the most flights in the X15?

Answer:
Robert A. Rushworth flew 34 X15 flights, one of which was beyond the threshold of space.