Shivers down your spine could have come from recent reports alleging a “planet killer” asteroid the size of Mount Everest. Not so bad, dinosaur aficionados; this specific space rock isn’t nearly large enough for a worldwide extinction disaster. The revelation does, however, serve as a sobering reminder: near-earth objects (NEOs) are a very real occurrence and continuous tracking and maybe deflection of them is absolutely vital.
How Large Enough Is Big?
The most recent studies probably related to the asteroid 2011 UL21, which passed Earth in 2011 at a reasonable distance of roughly 4 million miles. Although this monster measured an amazing 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles), almost the height of Mount Everest, it is still not very comparable to a real “planet killer.” Scientists believe the asteroid behind the dinosaur extinction event was a hideous 10 kilometers (6 miles). Although big, the asteroid 2011 UL21 would not create a planet-wide disaster but, should it strike Earth, would cause major local damage.
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A Universe Full of Rocks: Why We Track NEOs
Although 2011 UL21 was not immediately dangerous, it emphasizes the need of NEO tracking initiatives. These initiatives locate and track asteroids and comets that might possibly intersect Earth’s course using telescopes and advanced software. Finding these objects early on will help us to determine their orbits and evaluate the threat they provide to our planet. Early identification is essential since it gives researchers the time to create possible deflection techniques or to organize mitigating actions should an impact be certain.
Turning away the inevitable?
Fortunately, space organizations are looking at methods of deflecting NEOs. Using the “kinetic impactor” approach, a spacecraft is purposefully crashed into an asteroid to gently veer its course. This approach seeks to change the trajectory of the asteroid such as to avoid an impact with Earth. Although such missions are still in their early years, continuous study gives hope for planetary defense. Successful asteroid orbit modification by NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission proved the viability of this strategy and represented a major planetary defense forward step.
Looking Up: Requesting Constant Vigilance
A good reminder comes from the current “planet killer” fear. Our solar system naturally consists many asteroids, some of which might endanger us going forward. But by means of ongoing awareness through NEO tracking systems and the evolution of deflection techniques, we can guarantee that mankind is ready to meet any cosmic obstacle. Safeguarding our planet depends on the continuous investments in defensive technologies. Thus, keep staring at the heavens; rest assured, for now our world is protected from a doomsday rock equivalent to Mount Everest. Scientific alertness combined with technology developments guarantees our readiness to react to possible space hazards.
