Weekly Space Hangout - May 23, 2014: How Do You Say "Camelopardalids"?

TL;DR

This week's hangout discusses the Camilo Paralus meteor storm, the IC3 spacecraft, Dream Chaser wind tunnel test, new crater on Mars, and a mysterious Atlas launch.

Transcript

oh I was muted hello all right well here we go hey everyone my name is Fraser Kane I'm the publisher of universe today and this is your weekly space hangout for Friday May 23rd 2014 and I'm assuming that there's some kind of holiday coming up or something I don't understand because it was just V Victoria Day uh on Monday but down here yes there is ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Comet 209p Linear may lead to a meteor storm if its streams intersect with Earth's orbit.
• 📻 Attempts to communicate with the IC3 spacecraft are underway using software-defined radio hacks.
• 💨 The Dream Chaser undergoes wind tunnel tests to ensure safe landings on commercial runways.
• 🇲🇭 Mars experiences ongoing impacts, with a newly discovered crater being evidence of this activity.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the likelihood of a meteor storm occurring due to Comet 209p Linear?

The streams of the comet could intersect with Earth's orbit, potentially resulting in a meteor storm. However, the unpredictability of meteors makes it difficult to determine the exact outcome.

Q: How does one communicate with the IC3 spacecraft and is it possible to get unauthorized access?

Scientists are trying to establish communication with the spacecraft using software-defined radio hacks. While it may be possible for amateurs to intercept signals, accessing and operating the spacecraft would require authorization.

Q: How does the Dream Chaser differ from the space shuttle?

The Dream Chaser is smaller and launches on top of an Atlas 5 rocket. It can land on commercial runways, whereas the space shuttle glided back to Earth for a water landing.

Q: What is the significance of the newly discovered crater on Mars?

The discovery of a new crater provides evidence of ongoing impacts on Mars. The precise timing and size of the impact can be determined by comparing before and after images.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Meteor researchers discovered that the streams of Comet 209p Linear could potentially intersect with Earth's orbit, leading to a possible meteor storm.

• The IC3 spacecraft, originally launched in 1978, is being revived and communicated with using software-defined radio hacks.

• The Dream Chaser space plane undergoes wind tunnel tests to ensure stability during landing on commercial runways.

• A new crater was discovered on Mars using the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's high-resolution imager.

• An unidentified launch of a classified payload by United Launch Alliance took place.