It is gradually slowing down and factors such as disruptions in the earth's core, extreme weather, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes can all influence the precise length of the astronomical day.

But by firing its three ion engines one at a time over 620 days — accumulating another 60 miles per each day — Dawn has reached its current astronomical speed and has no plans of slowing down.

The next day, I learned that the Carson show had earned good ratings nationwide and astronomical ones in Arkansas.