STM Daily News

A Close Encounter: Asteroid 2006 WB Zooms Past Earth Tomorrow

Published

7 months ago

November 26, 2024

Rod Washington

As we gaze up at the night sky, pondering the vastness of the universe, an intriguing event is set to unfold: a football field-sized asteroid is making its way past Earth tomorrow. Named 2006 WB, this celestial traveler is estimated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to be about 310 feet across, although its size could range anywhere from 240 to 525 feet. For perspective, a football field measures approximately 360 feet in width, making this asteroid a formidable presence as it skims by our planet.

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Approaching Asteroid

At a distance of 554,000 miles—roughly twice the distance to the Moon—2006 WB will pass by us at a speed of about 4.2 km/s, or approximately 9,400 mph. This velocity is several times faster than a bullet fired from a rifle, which can travel up to around 2,700 mph. While 554,000 miles may sound distant, it is remarkably close on a solar system scale, especially when compared to our neighboring planet Venus, which can be about 24 million miles away at its closest approach.

In addition to 2006 WB, there are four other asteroids making their own close passes in the coming days. Today, two bus-sized asteroids, 2024 WF2 and 2024 WJ3, will soar past Earth at distances of 1,780,000 miles and 2,780,000 miles, respectively. Following them, the plane-sized 2009 WB105 will come within 3,600,000 miles, and on Tuesday, another bus-sized asteroid, 2024 WD3, will pass at around 1,080,000 miles.

Jay Tate, director of the United Kingdom’s Spaceguard Centre observatory, highlights that asteroids are frequently zipping past Earth, often without much public awareness. 2006 WB falls into the category of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), defined as objects that come within 30 million miles of our planet. NEOs are monitored closely, with over 34,000 identified in our solar system, and the JPL’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) actively tracking at least 2,300 potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs).

While the odds of a large asteroid impacting Earth are exceedingly low, the consequences of such an event could be catastrophic. Svetla Ben-Itzhak, an assistant professor of space and international relations at Johns Hopkins University, warns that a cosmic body of 460 feet in diameter could obliterate an entire city and wreak regional havoc. In contrast, larger objects exceeding 1 kilometer in diameter could have far-reaching global implications, potentially leading to mass extinction.

Fortunately, the asteroids currently making their approach, including 2006 WB, do not fall within the category of potentially hazardous objects due to their size and the distances they will maintain from our planet. As we continue to advance our understanding of these celestial bodies, the importance of tracking and monitoring NEOs remains paramount for the safety of humanity.

As we prepare for the close encounter with 2006 WB, let us appreciate the wonders of our universe and the ongoing efforts of scientists and astronomers dedicated to keeping watch over our cosmic neighborhood. Stay tuned for more updates as we witness the majestic dance of these asteroids in the sky above.

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Related Topics:asteroid close encounter NASA Near-Earth Object

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Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

News

Is Residential Solar on the Decline in the U.S.? A Market Correction, Not Collapse

U.S. residential solar installations are declining in 2025. Learn what’s driving the downturn—and why the long-term outlook remains

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2025

Hal Machina

The once red-hot U.S. residential solar market is showing signs of cooling off—but don’t count it out just yet. A combination of rising interest rates, regulatory changes, and supply chain challenges have led to a notable dip in installations across the country. But while the short-term trend suggests a slowdown, industry experts remain optimistic about the long-term potential of rooftop solar.

📉 The Numbers Don’t Lie: Installations Are Down

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, residential solar installations dropped by 13% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with 1,106 megawatts (MW) installed nationwide. That’s also a 4% decline from the previous quarter. This marks a continuation of the trend that began in 2024, which saw the residential sector contract in 22 states—including a five-year low in California [^1].

Analysts at BloombergNEF predict that total U.S. solar capacity will fall by 7% between 2025 and 2027, with a projected 1% annual decline through 2035 under current policy scenarios [^2].

🧾 What’s Behind the Drop?

1. Higher Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve’s continued efforts to tame inflation have made financing solar systems more expensive for homeowners. The result? Fewer consumers are willing to commit to the upfront investment, even with long-term savings in play [^3].

2. Policy Shifts in Key States

California, long considered the leader in solar adoption, rolled back its Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 program in favor of NEM 3.0, which significantly reduces the value of solar exports back to the grid. Installations in the state fell sharply as a result [^1].

On the federal side, proposed cuts to the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—a major driver of residential adoption—have caused uncertainty in the market. According to Reuters, solar stocks plummeted following changes in a Senate tax bill that threatened to shrink or eliminate these credits [^4].

3. Tariffs and Supply Constraints

Tariffs on Chinese and other foreign-made solar panels have led to price increases and reduced availability. Simultaneously, battery storage components are experiencing shortages, further delaying installations and complicating project timelines [^5].

🌤 The Long-Term Picture: A Resilient Future

Despite the headwinds, many in the industry see this as a short-term correction rather than a lasting decline. SEIA projects a return to 9% annual residential growth from 2025 to 2030, particularly if financing conditions improve and federal incentives remain intact [^1].

Additionally, solar panel prices remain historically low, hovering around $2.50–$2.60 per watt installed. That affordability, coupled with increasing demand for home electrification and EV charging solutions, makes rooftop solar an attractive long-term investment [^1].

In a recent industry survey, 78% of solar installers said they expect to sell as much or more in 2025 than they did in 2024 [^3]. And while the market is down in states like California, others—including Texas, Florida, and Arizona—are continuing to grow.

✅ Final Takeaway

Yes, residential solar is currently in a downturn. But it’s more of a recalibration than a collapse. Regulatory turbulence and financial pressures are squeezing the market, but the fundamentals—affordability, environmental benefits, and technological advancement—remain strong.

The future of residential solar will depend heavily on stable policy support, affordable financing, and continued innovation. If those stars align, the industry could see another boom in the latter half of the decade.

📚 Sources

[^1]: SEIA/Wood Mackenzie. U.S. Solar Market Insight Q1 2025.

https://www.seia.org/us-solar-market-insight

[^2]: BloombergNEF. 2025–2035 U.S. Solar Outlook.

[^3]: SolarReviews. 2025 Solar Industry Installer Sentiment Survey.

[^4]: Reuters. Senate committee’s changes to tax bill slam US solar stocks. [June 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/senate-committees-changes-tax-bill-slam-us-solar-stocks-2025-06-16

[^5]: AP News. China dominates solar. Trump tariffs target China. For US solar industry, that means higher costs. [June 2025]

https://apnews.com/article/e0a764b42a6ba638a4201c5683f98a6b

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Daily News

Remembering Anne Burrell: Celebrity Chef Found Dead at 55 in Brooklyn Home

Celebrity chef Anne Burrell was found dead in her Brooklyn home at age 55. Cause of death is pending autopsy, police confirm.

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Rod Washington, Rebecca Washington

Image Credit: Rebecca Jo Washington

The culinary world is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of beloved chef and television personality Anne Burrell, who was found dead in her Brooklyn, New York, home on the morning of Tuesday, June 17. She was 55 years old.

According to a statement from the New York City Police Department, officers from the 76th Precinct responded around 7:50 a.m. to a report of “an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female.” Emergency medical services arrived shortly after and pronounced her dead at the scene. While police did not formally release her name pending family notification, public records and the address provided in the police statement confirm that the residence belongs to Burrell.

A cause of death has not yet been determined. The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to clarify the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Burrell’s representatives confirmed the heartbreaking news in a release obtained by People magazine, marking a devastating moment for fans, friends, and fellow chefs who admired her bold personality, bright red hair, and fierce culinary skills.

Best known for her work on Food Network shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Worst Cooks in America, and Iron Chef America, Burrell was a standout in the food television landscape. A classically trained chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she blended expertise with an infectious enthusiasm that made her a favorite among viewers and a mentor to many aspiring cooks.

Tributes from across the food and entertainment communities have begun pouring in as the industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest and most unique stars. More details are expected in the coming days as the investigation continues and the autopsy results are released.

Anne Burrell’s legacy will live on through the meals she inspired, the careers she helped shape, and the joy she brought to countless kitchens around the world.

USA Today: Anne Burrell, chef and Food Network star, dies at 55

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Urbanism

California High-Speed Rail Fights Back: CHSRA’s Forceful Response to Federal Defunding Threat

“California fights back as feds threaten to pull $4B from high-speed rail. CHSRA calls termination ‘unjustified’ in heated battle.”

Published

4 days ago

June 16, 2025

Rod Washington, Railfan Rod

Image Credit: CHSRA

June 14, 2025

The California High-Speed Rail project finds itself at a critical crossroads as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) moves to terminate $4 billion in federal funding agreements. In what has become a high-stakes political and infrastructure battle, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has issued a forceful rebuttal, calling the proposed termination “unwarranted and unjustified.”

The Federal Challenge

On June 4, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy released a damning 310-page report concluding that California’s high-speed rail project has no viable path forward. The FRA’s assessment cites several critical issues:

$7 billion funding gap that the Authority allegedly lacks a credible plan to close
Missed 2024 procurement deadline for train purchases
Significant cost overruns and project delays
Default on federal grant terms according to the federal review

The report represents the Trump administration’s latest effort to halt what critics have long called a “boondoggle,” with the federal government threatening to pull the plug on agreements that have been in place since 2009.

CHSRA’s Counterattack

CHSRA CEO Ian Choudri didn’t mince words in his June 12 response, delivering what industry observers are calling one of the most comprehensive rebuttals in the project’s controversial history. The Authority’s 14-page response systematically challenges the FRA’s conclusions on multiple fronts.

Key Points in CHSRA’s Defense:

Misrepresentation of Inspector General Report: The Authority argues that the FRA has fundamentally mischaracterized findings from a 2025 Office of the Inspector General report, using selective interpretations to support predetermined conclusions.

Historical Context Matters: CHSRA emphasizes that “information that the FRA had when it chose to enter into cooperative agreements (in 2009) cannot now be a basis for termination.” The Authority contends that the federal government was fully aware of project challenges from the beginning.

Progress Despite Challenges: The response highlights ongoing construction progress and argues that the project continues to meet essential milestones, despite the complex nature of building America’s first true high-speed rail system.

The Broader Implications

This confrontation extends far beyond California’s borders. The outcome could determine the future of high-speed rail development across the United States and signal whether ambitious infrastructure projects can survive changing political administrations.

What’s at Stake:

$4 billion in federal funding that could be redirected to other transportation projects
Thousands of construction jobs currently supporting the Central Valley construction
America’s high-speed rail ambitions and competitiveness with global transportation leaders
State-federal partnership models for major infrastructure investments

Construction Continues Amid Uncertainty

Despite the federal threats, construction work continues in California’s Central Valley. The Spring 2025 construction update shows ongoing progress on viaducts, stations, and rail infrastructure between Merced and Bakersfield. Workers remain on the job while lawyers and politicians battle over the project’s future.

The visual progress stands in stark contrast to the political turmoil, with concrete structures rising from the valley floor and rail systems taking shape. For many observers, this creates a surreal dynamic where physical construction proceeds while the project’s financial foundation faces potential collapse.

The 37-Day Countdown

CHSRA now has 37 days from the FRA’s notice to provide a comprehensive response before potential grant termination. This timeline creates intense pressure for the Authority to not only defend its record but also present a convincing path forward that addresses federal concerns.

The Authority’s initial response suggests they’re prepared for a prolonged legal and political battle, with CEO Choudri’s statement indicating they view the termination threat as politically motivated rather than based on legitimate project management concerns.

Looking Ahead

As this infrastructure drama unfolds, several key questions remain:

Can CHSRA provide a convincing funding plan to close the $7 billion gap?
Will political considerations ultimately override technical project assessments?
How will this battle affect future federal-state infrastructure partnerships?
What happens to the billions already invested if the project is terminated?

The California High-Speed Rail project has survived numerous political challenges, funding crises, and technical setbacks over its 15-year history. Whether it can survive this latest existential threat may depend as much on political will as engineering capability.

For now, the trains aren’t running, but the political machinery is working overtime. The next few weeks will likely determine whether America’s most ambitious transportation project continues toward completion or becomes a costly lesson in infrastructure ambition versus political reality.

What do you think about this ongoing battle between state and federal authorities over high-speed rail? Have you been following the project’s progress, and do you see this as a necessary infrastructure investment or a project that’s gone too far off track? Leave a comment!

https://stmdailynews.com/