Father of Daniel Andrews’ crash victim calls for the case to be reopened after bombshell new report
Sinkhole shuts down Sea Point swimming pool
A sinkhole has caused Cape Town's popular Sea Point swimming pool to temporarily close for maintenance. Here are the details…
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UK’s leading trance music festival to return to Manchester next month with impressive lineup
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Fears city-killer ‘God of Destruction’ asteroid could hit Earth as experts warn of deadly deflection
EARTH could collide with its deadly cosmic neighbour, Apophis, an asteroid 1,100ft (335m) wide, should a rare chain event occur, according to a new study.
Though it would be a one in a billion chance.
The near-Earth object (NEO), which is larger than the Eiffel Tower, is scheduled to make an intimidatingly close flyby of Earth on Friday 13, 2029.
It is expected to pass around 19,800 miles (32,000km) of Earth, closer than some satellites, where some stargazers may be able to see it with the naked eye.
No asteroid is expected to come as close for a few thousand years.
New research has suggested that if Apophis, dubbed the “God of Destruction”, is hit by other space rocks in its journey around the solar system, it’s path may be diverted to collide with Earth.
However, the chances of such a chain event is very low, research author Paul Wiegert, an astronomer at the University of Western Ontario, told Space.com.
“The odds are essentially 1 in a million that an asteroid strike could deflect Apophis enough to put it in danger of a future post-2029 collision, and only 1 in a billion that it could send Apophis colliding with Earth in 2029,” he explained.
Earth's closest near-misses
One of Earth's closest near-misses occurred only a few years ago.
Asteroid VT4, which is estimated to be just five to 10 metres in diameter, came as close as 383 km to the Earth’s surface in 2020.
Another close encounter happened on 31 March 2004, when meteoroid FU162 zoomed past just 6500km above Earth’s surface.
But as experts at the Royal Greenwich Observatory explain, both these asteroids would have been relatively harmless.
“FU162 is only 10m across, so if it had collided with the Earth it would almost certainly have exploded harmlessly in the upper atmosphere,” experts said.
Then in May 1996, asteroid JA1 passed the Earth 450,000km away – which is about as far away as the Moon.
Wiegert added: “I calculated the odds of asteroid Apophis, whose current path is computed to take it near but safely past our planet in 2029, being deflected onto a more dangerous path by an unexpected small asteroid impact.
“These are the same kind of small asteroids that occasionally appear in our atmosphere as ‘shooting stars’ or ‘fireballs’ and could strike Apophis just as unexpectedly.”
Wiegert noted that an asteroid roughly 60cm (24inches), if it hit Apophis, could push the giant space rock onto a future collision course with Earth, sometime after 2029.
But a second, larger, 3m (10ft) asteroid strike with Apophis could “put in danger of a collision in 2029,” said Wiegart.
“These kinds of collisions are extremely rare,” he concluded.
Eyes in the sky
Apophis, named after the Egyptian serpent god of chaos and destruction Apep, was discovered in 2004 and sat atop the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) “impact risk list” and NASA’s Sentry Risk Table for nearly two decades.
But a close flyby of the asteroid in March 2021 showed Nasa scientists that Apophis won’t actually hit Earth for at least 100 years.
Researchers at ESA announced in July that they are sending out their Ramses mission spacecraft in 2028 to keep an eye on it.
The ESA are doubling down on efforts to secure Earth’s defences against future, potentially cataclysmic, space rocks, following the success of Nasa’s DART mission in 2022.
In 2023, Nasa rebranded its OSIRIS-REx spacecraft to study the asteroid instead of being retired.
Now going by OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Apophis Explorer), the craft successfully returned samples from the space rock Bennu.
Its second mission will investigate Apophis before, during, and after its close pass.
Scientists, at both ESA and Nasa, are keen to know how the giant space rock is influenced by Earth’s gravity during such a close flyby.
What's the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet?
Here's what you need to know, according to Nasa...
- Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth)
- Meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids
- Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it’ll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up
- Meteorite: If a meteoroid doesn’t vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth’s atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite
- Comet: Like asteroids, a comet orbits the Sun. However rather than being made mostly of rock, a comet contains lots of ice and gas, which can result in amazing tails forming behind them (thanks to the ice and dust vaporizing)
Watch emotional moment Amanda Holden reveals Jamie Theakston’s powerful message to her after shock cancer diagnosis
AMANDA Holden has shared Jamie Theakston’s powerful message to her and her co-stars after his shock cancer diagnosis.
On Tuesday morning, radio presenter Jamie, 53, revealed that he has stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
The host, who presents on Heart Radio, took to Instagram to share a health update with fans.
Amanda said live on air today: “We share everything with you on this show, the ups and the downs.
“So, it feels only right that we get you completely up to speed with what’s going on.
“You might have seen on Jamie’s socials, he recently had an operation to remove a lesion from his vocal cords and we wanted to let you know that this biopsy has actually been identified as stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
“Even though it has been identified as cancer, it is not all bad news.”
Amanda continued: “He has told us that we have got to hold the fort and he has told us that the show must go on and absolutely that’s what we’re going to do.
“We’re going to do him proud. Him and Sophie and the boys, they’re listening at home and I know after this announcement all of those listening are going to be sending your best wishes to our King.
“Our lovely Jamie who is going to be better and back with us soon.”
Jamie’s vocal cord cancer was spotted by radio listeners after they noticed a change in his voice – and this led him to seek medical advice.
Jamie said: “Hi folks, as you know – I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal chords.
“The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal cancer.
“So I have cancer but cancer doesn’t have me!
“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.
“Until then, I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda.
“Huge thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.
“Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
Key symptoms of laryngeal cancer
The NHS have said there are six other key symptoms of laryngeal cancer to look out for:
- pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
- a lump or swelling in your neck
- a long-lasting cough or breathlessness
- a persistent sore throat or earache
- a high-pitched wheezing noise when you breathe
- in severe cases, difficulty breathing
Other signs also include: bad breath, unintentional weight loss, or fatigue (extreme tiredness).
According to the NHS website, laryngeal cancer is a type that affects your voice box.
The main treatments for throat cancer include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted cancer medicines.
Jamie presents the breakfast show alongside Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden.
His co-star rushed to social media to share her love and support.
Amanda reshared his post on her story and added: “We love you @jamie_theakston.”
She added on her profile: “Our wonderful @jamie_theakston has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
“His prognosis is very good and he has an incredible team around him.
“Jamie. we love and miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon.”
It comes just weeks after Jamie revealed he was taking a break from his breakfast show to recover from surgery.
In a statement on social media, the 53-year-old revealed he had emergency surgery on his vocal cords.
He explained: “Sooo – a few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn’t sounded right these past few weeks – I’ve got you to thank…
got it checked.
“Doctors found a lesion on my vocal chords which I’ve had removed this weekend.
“Thanks for all the kind messages should be back on my feet soon – in the meantime…”
Many friends and fans have taken to his recent post to share their get well soon messages.
Carol Vorderman said: “Sending best Jamie 
thank goodness your listeners spotted the change in your voice, all found early and you’ll be back keeping everyone happy very soon .”
Strictly’s Oti Mabuse added: “Get well soon.”
MAFS’ Mel Schilling wrote: “Sending all my love & cancer-kicking strength Jamie.”
Jamie has presented the Heart Breakfast show since 2005.
He is a TV presenter, producer and actor – and started off his career presenting Top of the Pops between 1998 and 2003.
Aussie cricket legend David Warner spotted in unusual film shoot in Melbourne
The 37-year-old wore a snazzy white shirt and at one point flashed a golden gun.
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Newspaper headlines from around the world – Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Here are all the stories that made the headlines on front pages of newspapers worldwide on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. Have a read ...
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Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
There's a time and a place... and it seems like a train isn't it.
The post Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains appeared first on The Manc.
Angela Rippon reveals Strictly partner Kai Widdrington BANNED camera crew from rehearsals and ‘pushed her leg’ for stunt
ANGELA Rippon has revealed her Strictly partner Kai Widdrington banned camera crew from one element of rehearsals amid the show’s scandal.
The under-fire BBC dance series returned last week amid the probe into Giovanni Pernice’s conduct on set.
Beeb execs launched the investigation following a complaint from actress Amanda Abbington who was paired with the Italian dancer.
Included in Strictly’s new duty of care protocols is chaperones now accompanying the celebrities to rehearsals.
But Angela Rippon – who appeared on last year’s series – has revealed her pro partner Kai Widdrington was against filming one particular element of their practices.
The 79-year-old said Kai wanted the ending to their routines to be kept a surprise, so ordered the camera crew to leave.
She told The Express: “It wasn’t the couple’s choice, it was Kai’s choice.”
Angela’s impressive high kick which stunned viewers at home was one surprise Kai wanted kept for the live show.
She continued: “So I did it again and as I kick he caught my foot and he just kept pushing it and it got level to my nose, and he said ‘that’ll do’.
“You have camera crews in filming it. So when we were rehearsing, you would get to that part of the dance at the end and he wouldn’t do it. He never, ever wanted it filmed.”
Angela added: “We did the whole dance and everybody saw me do it for the first time. The reaction from the audience was extraordinary.”
Meanwhile, The Sun first revealed how Kai, 29, was left without a celeb partner for this year’s Strictly.
Kai has since broken his silence, telling the Daily Star: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series. Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them.
“Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.”
Strictly 2024 pairings
Here's who is matched with who this series...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
ITV brings back iconic reality show with A-list host to rival hit Michael McIntyre show
ITV has recommissioned the beloved game show Wheel of Fortune, with household name Graham Norton returning to host the latest season.
The network’s decision to bring back the iconic show follows its successful revival earlier this year.
It saw the Wheel of Fortune become ITV’s biggest entertainment launch since 2022, with a staggering 5.7 million viewers tuning in for the premiere.
The upcoming season promises even more thrills and excitement, including a Christmas celebrity special.
It will feature nine hour-long episodes, so fans can look forward to getting their fix.
Contestants will once again find themselves at the mercy of the show’s famous giant carnival wheel as they spin to win life-changing cash prizes.
However, winning isn’t simply about luck.
In true Wheel of Fortune style, players must solve word puzzles by selecting letters carefully, creating high stakes moments where strategy is key.
BAFTA winning presenter Graham Norton has expressed his excitement about returning to host the show, saying: “I’m thrilled we are coming back for a second series to challenge more contestants to solve more word puzzles and hopefully they come away with even more cash.
“It’s a game of skill and luck, so you just never know which way it will go and I’m excited to see who can hold their nerve against the wheel.”
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning, also shared her enthusiasm about the recommission, adding: “We are excited to bring back this iconic game show for a second series after a successful launch earlier this year.
“Graham with his wit and humour is the perfect host for this fun, exciting, fast paced game of luck and skill.”
Despite amassing millions of viewers, the season that aired in January 2024 was blasted by some fans who were annoyed by the behaviour of the contestants.
Viewers were quick to call out the contestants for shouting with one posting: “WHY ARE THEY SHOUTING…” and another blasting: “Why are the contestants so shouty”.
Others slammed them for being “thick”, with one harshly writing: “Is it a pre-requisite to be thick on this show???”