Indeed failure to consider, or, rather, verify, the sources was my unmaking in this matter :(

While I follow the NEO/PHA 'scene' attentively and through *highly* credible resources (including, while not limited to: The University of Pisa's publications/OL services [Tumbling Stone & NEODyS], SGF, A/CC (i.e. The Walter Hohmann inspired 'minor object' daily journal), NASA's NEO program, and, of course, MPECs) I have neglected to acquaint myself with reputable *news* sources Re: general astronomy --- Suggestions would be most *welcome* :)

In defense of my gullibility Re: Phobos I can but offer that, owing to said object's extremely low size/mass, coupled with the (chronologically unrelated) hypothesis by certain *esteemed* astronomers/physicists (A. Milani et al.) that some comets may produce powerful electromagnetic 'disruptions' as they cross the ecliptic - taken with the fact that 76P crossed the ecliptic very near Mars _and_ *claims* that violent Martian dust storms were observed shortly following 76P's passage - *I* conjectured that perhaps Phobos had been 'cast' into a rapidly 'decaying' orbit and hence destroyed via collision with Mars. A major factor in my (misplaced) credence was an *apparent* dearth of Phobos observations & commentary upon the subject (by mainstream astronomers) beyond said period - Again where 'major' objects and their satellites are concerned I have been unable to locate 'solid' *NEWS* sources - Even so this is *NO* excuse for my gullibility! As life has aptly demonstrated: It is often the case that truth speaks in soft dulcet whispers whereas sensational nonsense is *screeched* far and wide...

"Fire in each eye, and papers in each hand, they rave, recite, and madden round the land." - Pope

It is with utmost chagrin that I must now confess to having been duped by 'them' if only for a while... Conversely it is with utmost *gratitude* that I have found a place in this community! :)

Contritely & Gratefully
Dan Sarandon :)