Hmmm...

Over at MSNBC, there's a nice story from the Washington Post about the lack of funding for the NEO search program and 2004 MN4.

It appears that the earlier calculations of gravity effects on 2004 MN4's orbit during its 2029 pass have been redone, and the possibility of impact in 2034 appears to have reached the level of alert.

Current size estimates give 2004 MN4 an explosive force capable of taking out two small countries, or a good section of some of the larger ones.

Choose two, any two.

I expect that some supercomputer time has suddenly become necessary for some N-body calculations. I also wonder if the larger telescopes might still be able to provide any tracking information for orbit refinement for a second pass through the problem.

My guess is that the political leadership in several countries may be asking some really pointed questions shortly. We'll see.

In any case, Griffin's nomination hearing will be next Wednesday.

have a great day,
ep