Although scientists have basically cleared us from any danger from asteroid 2002 NT7, which from the word go had been reported as an impact hazard for the year 2019, a newer interruption rock has been spotted, which may pose a threat even sooner.
At around 1.2 km in breadth, 2003 QQ47 is substantially smaller than 2002 NT7 (2km), but has been called "an circumstance meriting careful monitoring" close astronomers. If an impact does occur, it could be on March 21, 2014.
Discovered on August 24, 2003, by the Lincoln Near Earth Asteroid Research Project (an MIT Lincoln Laboratory program funded by the United States Air Force and NASA) in New Mexico, 2003 QQ47 has been classified as a 1 on the Torino scale of impact hazards. Scientists are urging calm, however, saying the odds of a catastrophic collision are only around 1 in 909,000.
The orbit of this asteroid has been calculated on no greater than 51 observations during a seven-day days and require further observations to determine if any danger does continue. It will be monitored closely over the next two months. Astronomers expect the risk of impact to decrease significantly as more data is gathered.
If it does strike Earth, the impact could have the secure of over 20 million Hiroshima style atomic bombs. As Billy Bob Thornton says in Armageddon, “It’s what we call a Global Killer….the end of mankind. Half the world will be incinerated aside the heat blast…..the repose will freeze to death in a nuclear winter. Basically, the worst part of the Bible!”
Asteroids are rocks and debris which are the leftovers of the construction of our solar system nearly 5 billions years ago. Most are in a tract, which orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter. However, the gravitational influence of the gas giant planets, like Jupiter, or an impact by a comet can knock these large rocks out of their permissible orbit.
Needless to say, we will be monitoring this site very closely.
Update: Once again, the planet can breathe a sigh of relief. After making further observations of asteroid 2003 QQ47, astronomers now say there is no threat from this rock. It has been downgraded to a zero (0) on the Torin scale, which says, "The likelihood of a collision is zero, or hearty below the chance that a random object of the same size will strike the Earth within the next two decades. This designation also applies to any small object that, in the event of a collision, is unlikely to reach the Earth’s surface intact."
While this particular asteroid appears to not be a intimidation to Earth at this time, the Near Earth Object Program and other agencies continue to monitor time for other threats. After all, it is a big universe, and there are a lot of asteroids and comets out there. Other Great Resources from About Astronomy and Space Telescope Basics Moon Basic Information Free Printable Space Posters Space Shuttle Resources Moon Phase Calendar Through 2025
Nikola TeslaNewsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to DiggNikola Tesla
