Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly Impact

In Episode 66 of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, Georgia, and Mary welcome Charles Blue, a science writer with over 35 years of experience in astronomy, Earth science, and science communications. Charles serves as Executive Communications Strategist for NASA’s Exploration Directorate, and has participated in tabletop exercises that simulate real government responses to potentially hazardous near-Earth objects (NEOs).The crew digs into the difference between asteroids, comets, and NEOs, why objects approaching from the sun’s direction are nearly impossible to detect, and how impact risk changes dramatically depending on size, composition, and warning time. Charles walks through the global network of observatories tracking these threats, the communication challenges of telling the public something might be coming, and what those tabletop scenarios actually look like when the cone of uncertainty lands on the place he calls home.From altering an asteroid's albedo, its surface reflectivity, with paint, to kinetic impactors to the politics of nuclear deflection, the crew works through what we can actually do, and how NASA’s DART mission proved that moving an asteroid isn’t just Handwavium. Charles also discusses next-generation detection, and Joe asks about the dangers of asteroid mining liability, and pulls on the Starship Troopers conspiracy thread.The real science of planetary defense is more interesting than anything Hollywood has thrown at us.And yes, we’re looking at you Armageddon.About Charles:Charles is a science writer specializing in astronomy and Earth science. He has more than 35 years of strategic communications experience in science, engineering, and technology.Charles currently serves as Executives Communications Strategist for NASA’s exploration directorate. He also served as the Writer/Editor for the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Engineering and as public information officer for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.When not getting himself and others worked up about science, you’ll find him playing the Irish tenor banjo, haunting social media, exploring Colonial Williamsburg, and singing sea chanteys.Link to Charles Blue’s Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/science-dude.bsky.socialLink to First Light Con: www.firstlightcon.comJoe will be one of 4 authors opening for a Blues Band: Avondalia Night Out - Rosa’s Lounge in Avondale, Chicago IL (May 14th 2026 7-8pm)- Joe readingCheck out what the RHR crew is creatingJoe:Named by the Guild Literary Complex as one of the 35 writers to watch!Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a story by Joe!Joe’s Sci-fi physiological thriller Novel: Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else?Joe’s Rom-Com Novella: Tomorrow May Be Too LateEssay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in FictionIt’s Science for WeirdosWant to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes.We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):1) If you knew an asteroid was on a collision course with Earth, would you want the government to tell you? Or would you rather not know?2) DART proved we can move an asteroid, but who should have the authority to make that call? One country, the UN, everyone?3) What’s your favorite fictional take on an asteroid or comet impact, and don’t worry about the science, they all use a healthy dose of Handwavium?4) The Starship Troopers conspiracy, did the government let Buenos Aires happen? We want to know where you stand.Future EpisodesEpisode 68 - Hive Mind: Plubris Guest: Wes Thorn (returning guest — Simulation Hypothesis episode)Three Part Spider-Man Series to get ready for the new MCU Spider-Man: Brand New DayEpisode 70 – Spider-Man Villain Series 1: Lab SafetyGuest: Tera Lavoie, PhDEpisode 72 – Spider-Man Villain Series 2: Scorpion and the Other ChimerasGuest: Erin C. AnthonyEpisode 74 – Spider-Man Villain Series 3: What His Villains Reveal About HimGuest: Comic YouTuber, Alex Hanes (@Hanes4Heroes)Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-AppearancesJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonRHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben TanzerEvents & Conventions to hang with the Crew:Events & Conventions:Avondalia Night Out - Rosa’s Lounge in Avondale, Chicago IL (May 14th 2026 7-8pm)- Joe readingCreative Arts Summit - DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library (Merrillville, IN) on May 23rd, 2026ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29–31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as GuestSlay the Lake Chicago Pride Book Fest Soundgrowler Brewing Co., Tinley Park, IL 60487 (June 27, 2026 12PM-5PM)Shore Leave 46 - Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention CenterDragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as ProfessionalFor more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, Notes and Fun Facts, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter!Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVDon’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! 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