Asteroid Heading Towards Earth: Is It Really a Threat?
It’s no secret that the prospect of an asteroid hitting Earth is an event that has some people worried. A lot of people are concerned about the dangers of an asteroid of asteroid impact could have on humanity. And while it’s true that an asteroid could cause great destruction, it’s important to look at the facts before we get too concerned. In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of an asteroid hitting Earth and answer the question, “Is it really a threat?”
How Likely Is It That an Asteroid Will Hit Earth?
The truth is, an asteroid hitting Earth is an extremely unlikely event. According to NASA, there have been no known cases of an asteroid impacting the planet in recorded history. The odds are even lower when you consider that asteroids are actually quite small. The vast majority are less than 10 meters in size and too small to cause significant damage.
What Types of Asteroids Pose a Threat?
However, there are some types of asteroids that could pose a real danger to Earth if they hit the planet. These include asteroids that are over 10 km in size and those referred to as “near-Earth objects” (NEOs). NEOs are asteroids that pass within a certain distance of Earth’s orbit and pose a potential threat.
The Detection and Tracking of Near-Earth Objects
Fortunately, there are measures in place for detecting and tracking NEOs. The most comprehensive system for tracking NEOs is the Sentry System, which is maintained by the Near-Earth Object Program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It tracks all known NEOs and identifies their orbits, velocities and other details.
NASA and other organizations also regularly conduct surveys of NEOs in order to better track their orbits, detect potentially hazardous NEOs, and determine if any are projected to hit the Earth.
How Can We Protect Ourselves from Asteroid Impacts?
If an asteroid were ever found to be on a collision course with Earth, there are a few ways to prevent it from hitting the planet. One of the most promising methods is the use of kinetic impactors, which are large objects that are launched into space with the goal of hitting an asteroid and altering its orbit.
The use of large sails, rockets, and even nuclear weapons has also been proposed. However, there are drawbacks to these methods. For example, using nuclear weapons is incredibly dangerous and can cause more harm than good.
At the end of the day, the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth are very low. There are measures in place to detect and track NEOs, and, if necessary, to alter their orbits. While the idea of an asteroid hitting the Earth is a scary one, with the measures in place it’s unlikely to ever become a reality.
