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[Lucy: The Cosmic Archaeologist Exploring Trojan Asteroids]-[WeWow Summer Week 2023 – Day 3: Beach Buddies (6/21/23)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2023-06-21

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Introduction to the Lucy Mission

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy and Guy Raz embark on an educational adventure to explore NASA’s latest scientific endeavor: the Lucy satellite mission. While Mindy busies herself with a 3D-printing oven that creates "asteroid cookies," the pair dives into the fascinating world of space exploration, specifically focusing on the Trojan asteroids.

What are the Trojan Asteroids?

The hosts explain that the Trojan asteroids are two clusters of space rocks that orbit the Sun. One cluster travels in front of Jupiter, while the other trails behind it, maintaining a distance of approximately 500 million miles from the Sun. These asteroids are scientifically significant because researchers believe they are the remnants of a "failed planet" that tried to form billions of years ago but never fully materialized. By studying these "building blocks" of the solar system, scientists hope to uncover the mysteries of how planets formed in our early cosmic history.

Lucy: The Cosmic Archaeologist

NASA named the satellite "Lucy" after the famous archaeological fossil discovery. Just as archaeologists on Earth excavate the rubble of ancient civilizations to understand human origins, the Lucy satellite acts as a "cosmic archaeologist." It is designed to study the "rubble" of our solar system to provide insights into planetary development. The satellite is roughly the size of a school bus, equipped with expansive solar panels that look like "giant marbles" or metallic wings, which power its advanced scientific instruments.

The Mission Itinerary and Methodology

Lucy’s journey is an ambitious one. The satellite is tasked with visiting a series of specific asteroids, including Eurybates, Polymele, Leucus, and Orus, over the course of several years.

To conduct its research, Lucy performs "breezy little flybys" rather than landing on the surfaces. It utilizes several sophisticated tools:

  • High-Resolution Cameras: These are used to photograph the asteroids, allowing scientists to count craters. Much like counting the rings in a tree trunk, the density of craters helps determine the age and history of the asteroid’s surface.
  • Thermal and Multispectral Cameras: These instruments analyze the chemical composition and surface materials of the asteroids without requiring physical contact.

Conclusion

Through this mission, NASA aims to map out the history of our solar system by examining these massive, ancient bodies—some of which reach diameters of nearly 100 miles. As Mindy and Guy Raz conclude their adventure, they highlight that just as we learn about Earth through archaeology, we can understand the vastness of space by studying the "cookie crumbs" of our solar system's formation. The episode serves as a reminder that science is an ongoing process of discovery, whether it’s through high-tech satellite missions or simply learning about the world around us.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I draw the line at pelicans.
2
I like the sound of that.
3
Think fast.
4
Suit yourself.
5
Pretty bonker balls, huh?
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
draw the line at
4
liven this place up
5
think fast
Expand All

📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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