Tucker's Asteroid Hunting Insights

The video introduces Tucker, an engineer and passionate backyard astronomer, who spends his time creating CCD chips and hunting asteroids. He has discovered 234 asteroids, including three near-Earth objects. Tucker built his own observatory in his backyard, where he made significant discoveries. Backyard astronomers like Tucker play a crucial role in NASA's efforts to track large near-Earth asteroids, contributing to the identification of about 800 such objects.

What is Tucker's profession and hobby?

• He is a teacher and a musician.

• He is a doctor and a painter.

• He is an engineer and an asteroid hunter.

• He is a chef and a writer.

How does Tucker view asteroid hunting?

• As a relaxing pastime.

• As a competitive sport and intellectual challenge.

• As a way to make money.

• As a community service.

How many asteroid discoveries has Tucker made?

• 234

• 100

• 500

• 50

What is unique about Tucker's observatory?

• It is located in a city center.

• It is entirely self-built except for the dome.

• It is made entirely of glass.

• It is underwater.

What role do backyard astronomers play in NASA's efforts?

• They train astronauts.

• They fund NASA's projects.

• They design new spacecraft.

• They help track large near-earth asteroids.