--------------------------------------------------------LONDON, England (Reuters) -- A giant asteroid is heading for Earth and could hit in 2014...But for those fearing Armageddon, don't be alarmed -- the chances of a catastrophic collision are just one in 909,000. Asteroid "2003 QQ47" will be closely monitored over the next two months. Its potential strike date is March 21, 2014, but astronomers say that any risk of impact is likely to decrease as further data is gathered. On impact, it could have the effect of 20 million Hiroshima atomic bombs, ...
Originally posted by Phobos
Good job, Lincoln Near Earth Asteroid Research Program!
FWIW, here's the biggest known risk: asteroid 1950 DA has 300:1 odds for hitting the Earth...but in the year 2880.
Yep. Happens a few times a year that we have a near miss with a continent killer and we don't detect them until they are already here or even past.Originally posted by kleinma
i suppose an asteroid could be on course to hit us at any given time and we just haven't detected it yet right? depending on how fast it is traveling and its size..
A catastrophic collision refers to a high-impact collision between two massive objects, such as planets or asteroids, that results in significant damage and destruction.
The chances of a catastrophic collision happening are very low. However, it is not impossible and there is always a small risk of such an event occurring.
No, we cannot accurately predict when a catastrophic collision will happen. However, we can monitor potentially hazardous objects and track their trajectories to identify any potential risks.
Scientists use various methods such as computer simulations, telescope observations, and mathematical models to study the chances of a catastrophic collision. They also analyze data from past collisions to better understand the likelihood of future events.
Currently, there are no guaranteed methods to prevent a catastrophic collision. However, scientists are constantly monitoring and tracking potentially hazardous objects, and if necessary, plans can be made to deflect or destroy them before they pose a threat to Earth.