Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 03-19-2013 03:59 PM               

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I'm working on a centerpiece on how likely a meteor such as the one hit Russia is likely to hit us, if it's a realistic fear, what are the odds of such a hit, and is there anything that can be done to stop such a hit.

I can only make calls between 6 and 11 p.m. Eastern tomorrow (Wednesday.) Contact names and phone numbers of people I can call at that time - especially if they're from NJ or originally from NJ - or e-mails are welcomed. Please e-mail me off-list. Much thanks!

Posts: 373
From: Cranston, R.I.
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 03-19-2013 05:28 PM               

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I would recommend that you speak to the master of the subject (if you haven't already) Richard Binzel at MIT. He is responsible for devising the Torino scale, a method for categorizing the impact hazard with objects like comets and asteroids. He's a terrific guy and very approachable.

I can give you his email if you'd like... just contact me directly.

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 03-21-2013 09:01 AM               

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Thanks, all! Trying to keep it local (e.g., NJ-based experts), but will keep everybody in mind.

And I talked to Rusty, who rather neatly was born in Neptune and graduated Manasquan HS. He asked about the weather, told him how lousy it was and Rusty laughed and said he was glad he's in California.

Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 03-29-2013 09:39 AM               

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Thanks again to all for the help. The story ran front page in Thursday's Asbury Park Press, and got picked up by a few other Gannett papers, including USA Today.

Fun being a journalist again, even if I was officially allotted six hours to write the story....

Posts: 212
From: Cork, Ireland
Registered: Mar 2012

Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001

Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005