NASA Hits an Asteroid

October 6, 2022

On this week's episode: NASA hits an asteroid, Hurricane Ian floods Florida, and breeding rare turtles!

Asteroids
Hurricanes
Turtles

On this week's news update…

Asteroid Hit

NASA hits an asteroid…

Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian floods Florida…

Rare Turtles

And breeding rare turtles!

First up...

In November 2021 NASA launched a unique mission. Its aim? To crash a spacecraft directly into an asteroid!

Most asteroids never get close to Earth, but if a large one ever made impact it could cause serious damage, producing a huge crater.

DART

Named DART, the mission hopes to discover if an asteroid can be knocked off course.

Last week, after a 17 million mile journey, the DART spacecraft finally reached its target asteroid. An onboard camera recorded the spacecraft's last moments as it hurtled towards the surface of the asteroid.

NASA scientists will continue to monitor the asteroid, to see if the crash has successfully changed its direction.

Next up…

Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian has struck the US state of Florida. The powerful storm is the strongest to impact the United States so far this year.

Weather scientists, known as meteorologists, collected useful information about the hurricane's progress by flying a plane into its path as it gathered strength over the Caribbean.

With wind speeds reaching 150 mph, Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage as it hit the Florida coastline. A powerful storm surge produced serious flooding in coastal towns.

Sadly, several people lost their lives in the chaotic conditions, and many homes were badly damaged. Fortunately, effective evacuation plans enabled thousands of people to reach safety, and the government has promised money to help people rebuild their homes.

Because Florida is in the tropics, where hurricanes are common, it will always be at risk of hurricanes. But by building flood defences, and setting up early warning systems, the damage caused by serious storms can be limited.

And finally…

Animal Watch

It's Animal Watch!

There are over 300 hundred species of turtle in the world! Sadly, many are threatened by habitat loss, and poaching.

Rote Island snake-necked turtles are one species at risk of extinction. However, zookeepers at New York’s Bronx Zoo have been breeding the rare turtles.

The turtles have been kept in tanks that simulate their natural environment. Their health has also been carefully monitored as they develop from babies to adults.

The turtles are now being prepared to be released into their natural habitat in Indonesia. Zookeepers hope the tropical turtles will feel just at home in the wild as they did at the zoo!

That's all for this week, we'll see you next time!

Teaching Overview

Learning Points

NASA has successfully launched a spacecraft deliberately into an asteroid.
A powerful hurricane has caused widespread destruction across Florida.
Zookeepers at Bronx Zoo have been breeding a species of rare turtle in preparation to release them into the wild.

Curriculum Keywords

Asteroids
Hurricanes
Turtles

Spark a Discussion

Asteroid Hit

Why did NASA launch a mission to hit an asteroid?
How many miles did the DART spacecraft travel through space to reach the asteroid?
Have you ever seen an asteroid or comet pass through the night sky?

Hurricane Ian

Why did meteorologists fly a plane into Hurricane Ian?
Have you or anyone you know ever been affected by a hurricane?
What preparations can be made to limit the damage hurricanes cause?

Rare Turtles

How are humans threatening the survival of some turtle species?
Where are Rote Island snake-necked turtles' natural habitat?
Would you like to work as a zookeeper taking care of rare reptiles?

Credits

Asteroid Hit - NASA
Hurricane Ian - Nick Underwood / NOAA NASA Earth Observatory / Joshua Stevens
Rare Turtles - © Bronx Zoo

Discover More About Topics Covered in This Week's Episode

Classroom Resources

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Video Viewing Guide

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Language and Literacy Activities

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