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Space News: A new count of potentially hazardous asteroids
Observations from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) have led to the best assessment yet of our solar system's population of potentially hazardous asteroids.
Also known as "PHAs," these asteroids have orbits that come within five million miles (about eight million kilometers) of Earth, and they are big enough to survive passing through Earth's atmosphere and cause damage on a regional, or greater, scale.
The asteroid-hunting portion of the WISE mission, called NEOWISE, sampled 107 PHAs to make predictions about the population as a whole.
Findings indicate there are roughly 4,700 PHAs, plus or minus 1,500, with diameters larger than 330 feet (about 100 meters). So far, an estimated 20 to 30 percent of these objects have been found.
While previous estimates of PHAs predicted similar numbers, they were rough approximations.
NEOWISE has generated a more credible estimate of the objects' total numbers and sizes. Because the WISE space telescope detected the infrared light, or heat, of asteroids, it was able to pick up both light and dark objects, resulting in a more representative look at the entire population.
"The NEOWISE analysis shows us we've made a good start at finding those objects that truly represent an impact hazard to Earth," said Lindley Johnson, program executive for the Near-Earth Object Observation Program at NASA Headquarters. "But we've many more to find, and it will take a concerted effort during the next couple of decades to find all of them that could do serious damage or be a mission destination in the future."
The new analysis suggests that about twice as many PHAs as previously thought reside in low-inclination orbits, which are roughly aligned with the plane of Earth's orbit.
"Our team was surprised to find the overabundance of low-inclination PHAs," said Amy Mainzer, NEOWISE principal investigator, at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "Because they will tend to make more close approaches to Earth, these targets can provide the best opportunities for the next generation of human and robotic exploration."
The NEOWISE analysis suggests a possible origin for the low-inclinaton PHAs: Many of them could have originated from a collision between two asteroids in the main belt lying between Mars and Jupiter.
A larger body with a low-inclination orbit may have broken up in the main belt, causing some of the fragments to drift into orbits closer to Earth and eventually become PHAs.
The lower-inclination PHAs appear to be somewhat brighter and smaller than other near-Earth asteroids.
The discovery that PHAs tend to be bright says something about their composition; they are more likely to be either stony, like granite, or metallic.
This type of information is important in assessing the space rocks' potential hazards to Earth. The composition of the bodies would affect how quickly they might burn up in our atmosphere if an encounter were to take place.
"The NEOWISE project, which wasn't originally planned as part of WISE, has turned out to be a huge bonus," said Mainzer. "Everything we can learn about these objects helps us understand their origins and fate."
The NEOWISE results have been accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal.
Dr. Tony Phillips works for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Running Creek Casino makes Memorial Day weekend debut
UPPER LAKE, Calif. – California's newest casino officially opened its doors to the public at a Friday afternoon ceremony.
Running Creek Casino has been a longtime goal for the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, a small tribe that has worked for more than a decade to bring the project to fruition.
The new facility has 349 machines, six gaming tables, two restaurants and a full bar, run by a staff of about 150.
The casino project, like the long span of the Habematolel's history, has tested the mettle of its tribal members.
“This tribe's history can be described in one word – survival,” said Tribal Chair Sherry Treppa during the ceremony.
That includes surviving the attack at Bloody Island in May 1850 – when hundreds of Pomos were massacred by the U.S. Army in retaliation for the murders of Andrew Kelsey and Charles Stone near modern-day Kelseyville – up through the process of “termination,” which involved dissolving reservations.
As well, the 227-member tribe survived Arnold Schwarzenegger, Treppa quipped, referring to the former governor whose compact with the Habematolel ultimately would be rejected in 2010 by the federal government because its onerous financial demands violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
In March 2011 the tribe signed a new compact with Gov. Jerry Brown, the first compact he negotiated and signed, as Lake County News has reported.
After years of work, the project has moved quickly as the tribe pushed to be open for Memorial Day. Treppa pointed out that the casino site was “just dirt” six months ago.
A new construction firm had to be brought in after the last firm reneged on its agreement with the tribe, Treppa said.
There were many obstacles over the past four years, said Treppa, “but we never stopped believing.”
She credited a very positive working relationship with Lake County's government for helping the tribe move forward.
The Habematolel began acquiring the 11-acre property where the casino sits in 2004, she said. That process included putting it into federal trust.
Treppa said most tribes opening casinos face bitter opposition and lawsuits, but the Habematolel said they have experienced neither.
The tribe estimates that it will be able to repay its loan and begin building a new permanent structure to replace the “sprung,” tent-like structure within four years, Treppa said.
Treppa recognized the tribe's executive council and management staff, and gave special recognition to her vice chair, Angelina Arroyo, who she said has been with her through the most difficult of times, personally and professionally.
Indeed, the two women have been a steady presence on behalf of the tribe, making countless trips to Sacramento and Washington, DC, and pushing to keep the project on track when it seemed to have hit insurmountable obstacles.
On hand at Friday's ceremony were county officials including Northshore Supervisor Denise Rushing and County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox.
“Our government-to-government relationship has been absolutely stellar,” said Rushing.
She said it was amazing how many obstacles the tribe had overcome, adding that the county was happy to have the casino there. Rushing thanked the tribe for bringing the new jobs.
Cox echoed Rushing's sentiments, and recounted how the Habematolel had approached the county to ask about officials' concerns about the project. He said he was glad to see the project happen.
Arroyo thanked people for coming to share in the event. “I thank you as a community for the support.”
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Memorial Day weekend offers full schedule of events; weather predicted to improve
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Despite the rainy, cold weather on Friday, forecasters are predicting better conditions for the busy schedule of events planned around the county during Memorial Day weekend.
The National Weather Service's forecast for the weekend includes sunny conditions and light wind both on Saturday and Sunday, with the temperature in the 70s.
Memorial Day itself is expected to be sunny and near 78 degrees with no winds forecast, the National Weather Service reported.
On Saturday, Lakeport's Memorial Day festivities will take place.
The Lakeport Kiwanis will sponsor a 4-H pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Natural High School on North Main Street at Eighth Street in Lakeport. That also is the location for the two-day Kiwanis Craft Fair.
Saturday's highlight in Lakeport will be an 11 a.m. parade through downtown.
This year's parade theme is “Hello Summer!” Each year this parade salutes the members of the Armed Forces, retired and active.
The parade route travels from the Fairgrounds on Martin, entering Main at Martin Street and travels north to Clear Lake Avenue.
On Sunday, the Lower Lake Community Action Group and the Lakeshore Lions will present the Lower Lake Daze Parade at 11 a.m., with activities in the park behind the firehouse until 3 p.m.
Lower Lake's events will include an old-time barbecue with ribs and chicken, live music, craft vendors, children’s entertainment, parade awards and raffles. Proceeds benefit community projects and the Scholarship Fund for graduating students from the Lower Lake high schools.
Also on Sunday, the second annual Frank Toney and Jody Eyerly Memorial Poker Run and Barbecue will take place in Clearlake Oaks.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. at 10551 E. Highway 20, with a tree planting and memorial stand. Kickstands will go up at 11 a.m. across the highway from the Blue Fish Cove.
The ride's final destination will be the Clearlake Oaks Fire Station for the barbecue. The price is $20 solo or $30 for two and up. For the barbecue only the cost is $6.
Vehicles of all kinds are allowed to participate in the run. The route and designated stops around the lake will be announced at departure by the road captain. For more information call Keith Leffler, 707-350-0383.
After a fun-filled morning and afternoon, it’s time to motor north to the Featherbed Railroad B&B in Nice for “Tea, Trains & Talent” from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There is no charge to come stroll through the grounds and see local artists' paintings, sculptures and other works. There will also be live music on hand to set the mood.
Those who wish to can RSVP for an afternoon tea featuring sweet and savory treats and teas to perfectly match these scrumptious treats. The price for the tea is just $12 inclusive. Call 707-274-8378.
On Sunday evening, Lake County Live! will put on its fifth performance at the Soper-Reese Community at 275 S. Main St. from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets to the variety show cost $5.
The show is simultaneously broadcast on KPFZ 88.1 FM as well as streamed over the web. Join the live performance which showcases local musicians, singers, poets, actors and good humor.
Organizers request seating by 5:45 p.m. for a 6 p.m. start time.
Visit www.lakecountylive.com for more information.
Clear Lake CHP to be out in force this weekend
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Clear Lake Area California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be out in force this weekend to ensure safety on the roadways of Lake County.
The CHP began its Maximum Enforcement Period on Friday at 6 p.m. and it will continue through Monday at 11:59 p.m.
The Memorial Day holiday traditionally marks the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, when many families head out to picnics, barbecues and other outdoor events.
The CHP reminds those headed out on the road to buckle up, designate a driver and eliminate distractions.
“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday,” Clear Lake Area Commander Lt. Greg Baarts said, “but we also want everyone to be safe. Make sure everyone in your car is buckled up and take your time getting to your destination. Also remember not to be distracted when you drive by using your cellular phone or other electronic device. Finally, please don’t drink and drive.”
Memorial Day weekend in 2011 saw an increase in the number of people killed in collisions.
In 2011 there were 24 deaths statewide, a 41 percent increase from the previous year. Sixty percent of those killed were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
There also were 1,367 arrests for driving under the influence statewide in 2011.
