Speaker: Richard P. Binzel, MIT, Professor of Planetary Science and Joint Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Host: Jake Simon

Title: Are Asteroids Friends or Foes? Let's Separate the Science from Science Fiction and Preview How 'The Earth Strikes Back.'

Abstract: Asteroid disasters sell movie tickets and asteroid encounters generate click bait.  But what's the real story?  We'll penetrate past the hype and fiction, analyze real events such as Tunguska 1908 and Chelyabinsk 2013, and reveal the factual odds and physical science discoveries from asteroid and meteorite falls.  Mark your calendar for April 13, 2029 when THE EARTH STRIKES BACK.  In real life on that date, the Jack Trice Stadium-sized (340 meter) asteroid Apophis will feel our planet's tidal forces while safely passing just outside Earth's Roche Limit and becoming visible to the naked eye for nearly 2 billion people.  Be the first to know!  The United Nations is declaring 2029 as The Year of Asteroid Awareness.