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Written by: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF NATURAL SCIENCES

Published: 19 January 2020

At around 1 a.m. local standard time on April 29, 2017, a fireball flew over Kyoto, Japan.

Compared to other fireballs spotted from Earth, it was relatively bright and slow. Now, scientists have determined not only what the fireball was, but also where it came from.

"We uncovered the fireball's true identity," said Toshihiro Kasuga, paper author and visiting scientist at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and Kyoto Sangyo University. "It has a similar orbit to that of the near-Earth asteroid 2003 YT1, which is likely its parent body."

2003 YT1, a binary asteroid first detected in 2003, appears to have been active in the past, meaning it fissured and released dust particles, such as the one responsible for the 2017 fireball. It does not currently show any activity, though, according to Kasuga.

However, the researchers found that the orbit, estimated radiant point, velocity and appearance date of the 2017 fireball are all consistent with dust particles that originated from 2003 YT1.

"The potential break-up of the rock could be dangerous to life on Earth," Kasuga said. "The parent body 2003 YT1 could break up, and those resulting asteroids could hit the Earth in the next 10 million years or so, especially because 2003 YT1 has a dust production mechanism."

The researchers found that this dust production mechanism, or the asteroid's likelihood of releasing dust and rock particles, stems from its rotational instability in a process called the YORP effect.

When the asteroid is warmed by the Sun, the energy results in a small thrust, which can produce a corresponding recoil, depending on the gravitational pull and other physical variables. The recoil can twist the asteroid, introducing a rotational change.

The change can be at physical odds with the gravity and/or other forces, and force the asteroid to physically break – even just a little, a process which produces dust.

"The released particles can enter Earth's atmosphere and appear as fireballs, which is exactly what happened in 2017," said Kasuga.

According to Kasuga, that particular fireball was not a threat to Earth, as it was estimated to only be a few centimeters in size. Something so small would burn up before it reached the surface.

"The 2017 fireball and its parent asteroid gave us a behind-the-scenes look at meteors," said Kasuga. "Next, we plan to further research predictions for potentially hazardous objects approaching the Earth. Meteor science can be a powerful asset for taking advanced steps towards planetary defense."

Other contributors include Mikiya Sato, Masayoshi Ueda, and Yasunori Fujiwara, all of the Nippon Meteor Society. Chie Tsuchiya and Jun-Ichi Watanabe, both of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, also co-authored the paper.

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Written by: Lake County News reports

Published: 18 January 2020

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – On Feb. 1, entries for the 37th annual Catfish Derby will begin to be accepted.

That’s one of the messages derby volunteers will be broadcasting at the International Sportsmen's Expo in Sacramento.

California’s largest outdoor exposition hosts more than 600 exhibitors drawing outdoor sports enthusiasts from throughout the country and beyond.

The expo runs from Jan. 16 to 19.

As in years past, derby volunteers will be traveling to Sacramento to represent the derby and Lake County in general at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce booth.

“The Catfish Derby is the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi, a feature we highlight with the folks that visit our booth,” said Jim Jonas, one of the derby volunteers who represented Lake County at the chamber booth last year.

“We get to talk with lots of anglers. Some, like the returning bass and catfish anglers, know Clear Lake well, he said, and many drop in when they see our sign to reminisce about visits they remember from their youth. But the best part is the excitement that builds when we encounter folks who have yet to experience the bounty of our lake. We talk it up and watch the interest build,” Jonas said.

In addition to Jonas, other derby volunteers will be on hand to promote Lake County, distribute the information rich Lake County Destinations Magazine and hand out sign up information for the derby.

Clearlake Oaks resident Dennis Locke, who is again leading the derby effort, said he expects in the neighborhood of 900 to 1,000 catfishing devotees this year.

“Last year the rain kept some people home, but interestingly enough it was our local numbers that were down, not the out-of-towners,” Locke said.

People like last year’s first-place winner, Ricardo Palayo, who took home $4,000 in prize money for his 27.29-pound catch, said he would definitely be back – rain or shine.

Others, regulars from places as far away as Hood River, Oregon, have attended the derby for many years.

Last year “Team Hood Cats,” a three-generation group, won the Spirit of Lake County award, proclaiming they would return, this time with four generations of catfishing enthusiasts.

Locke said we look forward to seeing them and others, like the Ocheltree family and their friends. “Scarlett, one of the Ocheltree children, landed the largest fish in the 2018 Catfish Derby. They come back year after year,” Locke said.

About 35 percent of the participants are locals. “Of course we love the ongoing participation from our locals. Last year, in the 10 years and under kids division, 7-year-old Blake Re of Nice won $100 for his 22.82-pound catfish. Other locals have made the derby a family tradition, like Mike and Barbara Higman whose family has been fishing in the derby for years,” Locke said.

The Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association sponsors the derby.

“It’s our signature fundraiser,” said Camille Gouldberg, president of the association. “Last year we donated $30,000 back to our community; this year’s derby will assure that we can continue to support our schools and sports teams and the many local programs that help our communities thrive.”

“While the majority of our volunteers come from the Oaks and nearby Glenhaven and Clearlake, we have volunteers that live all around the lake that come to help out and enjoy the festivities,” said Locke.

This year, the derby will begin on Friday, May 15, and conclude on Sunday, May 17, with an awards ceremony and barbecue. The Clearlake Oaks Fire Station will again serve as derby headquarters.

Entries will be accepted by mail or in person at Limit Out Bait and Tackle, Clearlake Oaks or Lakeport Bait and Tackle, Lakeport. Entries will also be accepted in person at Derby headquarters beginning at noon on Thursday, May 14.

Locke noted that the entry fees are increasing this year to help offset increasing costs associated with the derby.

“We haven’t increased derby fees in 15 years. This year we felt it was necessary in order to continue a quality event,” he said.

Adult entries are $50, up $10 from last year if received by 11 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Entries received after will be $60. Children’s entries have not been increased and are still $10 every day.

“We have also increased our first prize award in the adult division from $4,000 to $5,000,” Locke said. “As important as the awards are, it’s the camaraderie that builds with each passing year that makes the Annual Catfish Derby a success.”

Locke also said the derby committee and all the volunteers are looking forward to another great event.

To sign up, volunteer or for more information call 707-596-0248 or visit the derby website at www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby.

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Written by: Lake County News reports

Published: 18 January 2020

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The fourth annual Martin Luther King Day Jr. and Unity Day celebration will be held in Clearlake on Monday, Jan. 20.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 14521 Pearl Ave.

The celebration will include prayers and music – including African drumming – along with poetry and speeches by Aqeela Markowski and Randall Cole. Faye Porter will read Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech.

All are welcome to attend.