Latest news with #O'Neill
News18
18 hours ago
- Science
- News18
Plane-Sized Asteroid To Fly Past Earth Next Week. Here's What NASA Has To Say
Last Updated: The asteroid, which measures around 210 feet long, will fly by on July 28 at a distance of about 393,000 miles A plane-sized asteroid named 2025 OW is set to pass Earth next week, but NASA experts stress there is no cause for alarm. The asteroid, which measures around 210 feet long, will fly by on July 28 at a distance of about 393,000 miles — roughly 1.6 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Despite its size and speed of nearly 47,000 miles per hour, NASA describes the event as routine. Ian J. O'Neill, media relations specialist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), told ABC News, 'This is very routine. If there was a threat, you would hear from us. We would always put out alerts on our planetary defense blog." Davide Farnocchia, an asteroid expert from NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), explained that close approaches like this happen regularly in our solar system. 'Close approaches happen all the time — it's just part of the fabric of the solar system," he told the outlet. NASA tracks several asteroids passing near Earth every week, with five expected next week alone. Although 2025 OW is large enough to attract scientific interest, its orbit is well understood and poses no danger. 'We know exactly where it's going to be. We'll probably know where it's going to be for the next 100 years," O'Neill added. For those hoping to spot the asteroid, Farnocchia noted that 2025 OW won't be visible through binoculars. Farnocchia also mentioned that another asteroid, Apophis, will pass within 38,000 kilometres of Earth in 2029 — closer than many of our satellites. Measuring nearly 1,115 feet in length, Apophis will be visible to the naked eye, providing a rare opportunity for public observation. Based on optical and radar tracking data collected between 2004 and 2012, Apophis is expected to pass Earth at an altitude of around 31,900 kilometres, with a margin of error of about 750 kilometres. This close approach is significant, as Earth's gravity could slightly alter its path, potentially setting it on a trajectory that brings it closer during a future flyby. view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 23:40 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Cork woman, 60, tells court she was left to 'hitch hike home in the dark' following arrest
A 60-year-old woman who was convicted of three public order offences and obstruction has told the district court she was left to hitchhike home in the dark following her arrest in October 2024. Ann O'Neill, of Mardyke Street, Skibbereen, appeared at Skibbereen District Court before Judge Joanne Carroll where her case was due for finalisation. At a previous hearing, O'Neill was convicted on two counts of intoxication in a public place, one count of threatening and abusive behaviour and one count of obstructing a peace officer. Her solicitor, Colette McCarthy, told the court O'Neill had suffered serious personal tragedy in her life, had been diagnosed with cancer, and had also been given notice to leave her accommodation by September. She said her client was anxious to address the court, as she did not do so at the time of her conviction, and Judge Carroll agreed to allow O'Neill to address the court. O'Neill said her dealings with the court arose from an incident in October 2024 following a visit to her GP, who had requested a welfare check be carried out. On foot of the welfare check, O'Neill was arrested in the early afternoon and taken from her home in Skibbereen to Clonakilty Garda Station. O'Neill told the court her mobile phone was on low charge and she had no money, and her sister was not informed of where she had gone. She told the court she was released after 8pm but was told she could not be brought home because the gardaí were not insured to do so. She said she walked to a petrol station in Clonakilty to see if they could charge her phone for her but they were unable to do so, and she was forced to hitchhike back to Skibbereen in the dark. Judge Joanne Carroll said she understood O'Neill 'had a lot of tragedy in her life' but the reality was for a positive outcome she would have to engage with alcohol treatment services. She acknowledged O'Neill had no previous convictions, but a probation report submitted to the court was 'not as good as it could be', as O'Neill had only attended one of three appointments. The judge said she was concerned about O'Neill's wellbeing, but could not alter the findings of the case that was heard by another judge. The judge said she would seek an addendum probation report and told O'Neill that she must fully engage with the Probation Service, alcohol treatment serves, mental health services and bereavement counselling in the meantime. This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
2 days ago
- Science
NASA says a plane-sized asteroid will pass Earth next week. Here's what to know.
A plane-sized asteroid scheduled to pass Earth next week is making headlines, but NASA experts want the public to understand why this encounter is more routine than remarkable. The asteroid is named 2025 OW and measures approximately 210 feet in length, according to NASA. It is set to pass Earth on July 28 at a distance of approximately 393,000 miles -- about 1.6 times the average distance to the Moon, according to the space agency. While it's traveling at an impressive speed of 46,908 miles per hour, NASA scientists emphasize this is normal and nothing to lose sleep over. "This is very routine," Ian J. O'Neill, media relations specialist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), told ABC News. "If there was a threat, you would hear from us. We would always put out alerts on our planetary defense blog." Davide Farnocchia, an asteroid expert at NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), explains that space rocks passing by Earth are just business as usual in our solar system. "Close approaches happen all the time -- it's just part of the fabric of the solar system," Farnocchia told ABC News. His team usually tracks several asteroids passing Earth each week -- as of Tuesday, they're watching five for next week alone. While 2025 OW is large enough to be of interest to NASA scientists, its well-understood orbit means it poses no danger. "We know exactly where it's going to be. We'll probably know where it's going to be for the next 100 years," O'Neill said. For space enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of 2025 OW, Farnocchia indicates it won't be visible with binoculars. However, he points to a more exciting upcoming event: the 2029 approach of asteroid Apophis. "Apophis will come within 38,000 kilometers of Earth in April 2029 -- closer than our geostationary satellites," Farnocchia said. Approximately 1,115 feet in length, and due to its exceptionally close approach, Apophis will be visible to the naked eye, offering a rare opportunity for public observation of an asteroid. Both Farnocchia and O'Neill emphasize that while Earth is struck by roughly 100 tons of space material daily, most of this is harmless dust. Larger, potentially hazardous impacts are extremely rare. "For an object the size of 2025 OW, while close approaches might happen yearly, an actual Earth impact would only occur roughly every 10,000 years," Farnocchia notes. NASA continues to monitor near-Earth objects through its planetary defense programs, maintaining public transparency about any potential risks while emphasizing that most asteroid headlines are more sensational than concerning.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Funeral mass of Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror photographer Mick O'Neill hears how he was ‘irreplaceable'
Mourners heard how the crowds gathered for his funeral were a 'testament to just how much Mick was loved and will be missed' as a colleague recalled how he "would treat a homeless person with the same respect as the President'. His granddaughter Mya told how Mr O'Neill was not just her grandfather, but someone with whom she shared a strong bond. 'He wasn't only my grandad, he was my best friend,' Mya said. 'We had such a strong bond. I'm not sure if he just liked breakfast or if it was an excuse to call me, but every time it was always the same question: 'Want to go for breakfast?' 'If I had a problem he could solve, he would do it. 'He was always so proud. He would make it out that whatever I did, no one has ever done it before. Reading all the comments, I see he would mention it to his friends too.' Mya said her grandfather would do 'everything' for her to be happy, including running 'all over Ireland' to get her the pair of Uggs she had mentioned for Christmas. 'We loved to eat chocolate together so it was easy to find a gift we could both enjoy, but sometimes all I got was a photo. He gave me so many memories that I'll never forget, probably because he always had the camera ready to snap,' she said. 'I love you Grandad Mick, I miss your calls already.' He was 'always happiest when he was out on the bike with the lads' A blue floral arrangement in the shape of the word 'Dad' was laid in front of his coffin at the Church of St Finian's, River Valley in Swords this morning, where his funeral took place. Mr O'Neill died after his motorbike crashed with a tractor and trailer on the Old Airport Road (Collinstown Lane) in north Dublin at around 11am on July 12. ADVERTISEMENT His close friend, Noel, who he grew up just minutes from him in Artane, worked with Mr O'Neill throughout his life – starting at Independent Newspapers – and shared a close bond with over their love of motorbikes. He told how Mr O'Neill 'was always happiest when he was out on the bike with the lads'. He thanked the large crowd that attended the mass, as well as the emergency services and the staff at the Mater Hospital who 'worked courageously during what was a very traumatic time'. 'Mick was a solid bloke. When you became his friend, you stayed his friend. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone,' Noel said. 'Mick had a great effect on people. He was just well liked because of his modesty, his subtle sense of humour – which we all know – and his professional approach to his work.' He said he will never forget how Mr O'Neill became part of the 'rock' that supported him when they were both made redundant in 2004. "He always had a positive vibe and said things will get better. And he was right, because they did.' 'A mentor and friend to dozens of reporters over the years' Mr O'Neill pursued a career in press photography, later becoming the chief press photographer with Reach Ireland, which comprises the Irish Daily Star and Mirror newspapers. Earlier this year, one of Mr O'Neill's images was named in the top 50 photos at the World Press Awards. 'The message I have to the person who hired Mick as their man at the Star. You not only knew that he was the best man for the job, but he was the right man. Mick was always the right man,' Noel added. In a message read on behalf of Mr O'Neill's colleagues, Irish Mirror and Irish Star crime and defence editor Mick O'Toole wrote that the photographer was 'a mentor and friend to dozens of reporters over the years'. 'He loved the variety of the work and would treat a homeless person with the same respect as the President,' he said. Mr O'Toole told how the photographer had a 'unique way of putting interviewees at ease' and was a support to reporters throughout their work with his ideas, humour, energy, dedication and advice. 'He was always motivated, always cheerful and could be depended on even in the toughest of spots. He travelled all over the world with his job – often on risky assignments,' Mr O'Toole said. 'Some of the countries that he went to included Peru, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Mauritius, India, Dubai, Spain. But whenever he went, he never forgot that he was a proud Dubliner.' Mr O'Neill worked on many high-profile jobs and stories throughout his career, with Mr O'Toole adding: 'All his colleagues are devastated by his loss. He is irreplaceable.' In his death notice, Mr O'Neill was described as the 'loving father of Karl', who was predeceased by his parents Mick and Angela. 'Very sadly missed by his son, grandchildren Mya and Kai, Karl's partner Vicky, Karl's mother Lorraine, brothers Terry and Owen, sisters Ann and Helena, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.' The funeral mass was followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
High wildfire danger forecast in Oregon, across PNW in July, August, September
The entire state of Oregon and Pacific Northwest is facing high wildfire danger across July, August and September, according to the latest forecast from the National Interagency Fire Center. One of the driest springs on record combined with a long-range forecast calling for hot and dry temperatures led to the unusually long and widespread high fire danger forecast. It's not clear whether the entire PNW has ever been at high fire danger for three months straight, officials said. 'The only year that would compare would be 2021, when we came into summer in a very deep drought,' state climatologist Larry O'Neill said. It's normal for parts of Oregon to be at elevated fire danger across summer, but it's rare to see the entire state in the "red" category. Jon Fox, a fire meteorologist for the Northwest Coordination Center, said that fine fuels, such as grasses and shrubs, are already far drier than normal. 'The issue is that we don't see any relief in sight,' he said. 'The long-range forecasts are all calling for a real good chance of warmer-than-normal temperatures. It all sets up for a busy fire season.' O'Neill said the soil dried out, and snowpack melted, about two to three weeks earlier than normal. 'The date of the meltout above 4,000 feet tell us something about how long fire season will be, and this year, it looks like it'll be about two or three weeks longer,' he said. At this point, with the state primed for ignition, the biggest factors will be the weather patterns that hit Oregon this summer. If the state gets east winds and dry lightning strikes, it's likely to be a busy and smoky summer. If thunderstorms arrive with more rain, then it could be an average year. But all the ingredients are in place for a busy season, O'Neill said. Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@ or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: High wildfire danger forecast in Oregon, Pacific Northwest all summer
