February 14, 2001: Alien Area 51 - Linda Moulton Howe #124; Time Traveler Lines

Linda Moulton Howe provides detailed analysis of NASA's historic asteroid landing on 433 Eros, where the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft accomplished the first touchdown on an asteroid 196 million miles from Earth. Despite never being designed to land, the craft survived impact at four miles per hour and continued transmitting data, capturing 69 high-resolution photographs showing surface features as small as one centimeter. Dr. Lucy McFadden discusses extending the mission to gather gamma-ray spectroscopy data revealing elemental composition and mineral structures, potentially determining whether Eros represents primitive solar system material or has experienced subsequent heating. The images reveal mysterious square-shaped depressions, fractured boulders, dust-filled craters called "ponds," and areas where the surface appears collapsed inward. Howe explores theories about asteroid belt formation, debunking planetary explosion scenarios in favor of Jupiter's gravitational interference preventing planet formation. Discussion touches on potential extraterrestrial threats, the Yucatan impact that killed dinosaurs, and implications for Earth's protection, while honoring Dr. Eugene Shoemaker's legacy in planetary geology and asteroid research.