Ra – Doyle's Space

99942 Apophis

An impact would release energy equivalent to over 1,200 megatons of TNT.

99942 Apophis is an S-type (silicaceous¹) asteroid with an approximate diameter of 1,210 feet. This is an asteroid that primarily consists of silicate minerals and nickel-iron. It has a relatively low albedo² of 0.23, indicating a somewhat reflective surface.

Why Do We Put Up Christmas Trees?

“We’re kicking off our fun, old-fashioned family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.” — Clark Griswold

Long before the advent of Christianity, plants, and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries, evergreens were believed to keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.