One Asteroid After Another
Recently, a massive asteroid with a diameter of 150 feet came close to Earth, prompting NASA to prepare for potential future lunar exploration with the Artemis I spacecraft. While this asteroid did not pose a threat to Earth, NASA has issued a warning about four additional asteroids that are headed towards our planet.
The risk posed by each of these asteroids varies, and it is difficult to determine which one poses the greatest danger. However, even smaller asteroids can be deadly if they strike densely populated areas like cities. NASA has provided a list of potentially hazardous objects or asteroids that are defined as those arriving within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earth and with a diameter greater than 150 meters (492 feet).
To recognize potentially hazardous asteroids, NASA uses a combination of ground-based and space-based telescopes. These telescopes can detect, track, and determine the orbit of asteroids that pose a potential threat to Earth. Additionally, NASA is working on developing technologies that can deflect asteroids if they are determined to be on a collision course with Earth.
The threat of asteroids colliding with Earth is a serious concern, and NASA is working tirelessly to ensure that we have the tools and technologies necessary to protect our planet. By continuing to monitor potentially hazardous asteroids and developing strategies to deflect them, we can mitigate the risk of a catastrophic impact.
Asteroids Approaching Earth
In the coming days, several asteroids are expected to pass by Earth, with varying degrees of proximity. Tomorrow, asteroid 2022 RK, with a width of 70 feet, is set to pass quite closely, within 2.24 million kilometers according to NASA.
Another asteroid, 2022 QJ7, measuring 82 feet across, is expected to come within 3.52 million miles of Earth on September 5. On the same day, a newly discovered asteroid, 2022 Qu5, with a width of 97 feet, will have its closest approach to Earth at a distance of 4.57 million miles.
Finally, a hazardous asteroid, 2022 QC7, with a diameter of 68 feet, is set to pass by Earth at a distance of only 2.82 million miles during its closest approach.
While none of these asteroids are currently deemed a threat to Earth, NASA continues to monitor and study potentially hazardous asteroids in order to better understand their behavior and develop strategies to mitigate any potential risk to our planet. Through ongoing research and collaboration with international partners, NASA is working towards enhancing our ability to detect and track asteroids, and to develop technologies to deflect them if necessary.
Planetary Defense
Asteroid impact avoidance methods are necessary to steer near-Earth objects (NEOs) away from Earth and prevent potential collisions. A large asteroid or NEO could cause significant devastation, including major tsunamis, firestorms, and an impact winter due to the vast volumes of pulverized rock dust and debris ejected into the stratosphere.
Early identification of potentially hazardous asteroids is crucial for protecting the planet from cosmic hazards. Scientists recommend a minimum of five to ten years of planning ahead for an effective defense against dangerous asteroids at the Planetary Defense Conference.
If astronomers detect a dangerous asteroid, there are several methods to avoid a disaster. The first involves evacuation and emergency response processes at the local level. Another option is to send a spacecraft to pass by a small or medium-sized asteroid, gradually changing its orbit due to the gravity of the spacecraft. To change the course of a larger asteroid, we may need to quickly slam something into it or detonate a nuclear bomb nearby.
NASA’s 2021 planetary defense budget was $158 million, representing just 0.7% of its total budget. In comparison, the projected US military budget for 2021 was $700 billion, with only 0.02% allocated to planetary defense. Despite the relatively small budget, NASA and other agencies continue to invest in asteroid detection and mitigation technologies to protect Earth from potential cosmic hazards.
