NASA tracking asteroid that has potential to hit Earth in 2046
In recent news, NASA has been tracking an asteroid that could potentially hit Earth in the year 2046. According to experts, the asteroid is currently classified as a "Potentially Hazardous Asteroid" (PHA) due to its size and trajectory. The asteroid, named 2011 AG5, is estimated to be about 140 meters in diameter and is expected to come within approximately 1.2 million kilometers of Earth in February 2046.
NASA's Near-Earth Object (NEO) Observations Program, which is responsible for identifying and tracking potentially hazardous asteroids, has been monitoring 2011 AG5 since its discovery in 2011. The program uses ground-based telescopes to track the asteroids and predict their future paths based on their known characteristics.
While the chances of 2011 AG5 actually colliding with Earth are currently estimated to be less than 1 in 625, NASA is taking the potential threat seriously and is actively investigating ways to mitigate the risk. One possibility is to use a spacecraft to deflect the asteroid's trajectory, which could be accomplished by either physically impacting the asteroid or using a gravitational tractor to gradually change its path.
NASA has been conducting research on asteroid deflection techniques for several years and has already tested some of these technologies on smaller asteroids. However, deflecting a larger asteroid like 2011 AG5 would require more advanced technology and greater resources.
It's worth noting that asteroids have collided with Earth in the past, with catastrophic results. The most well-known example is the Chicxulub impactor, a 10 to 15-kilometer asteroid that hit Earth approximately 66 million years ago and is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
NASA's efforts to track and potentially deflect 2011 AG5 are part of a larger effort to protect our planet from the threat of asteroid impacts. By studying these space rocks and developing methods to prevent collisions, we can better understand the history of our solar system and safeguard our planet's future.
In conclusion, while the chances of asteroid 2011 AG5 colliding with Earth in 2046 are currently low, NASA is taking the potential threat seriously and is actively investigating ways to mitigate the risk. By continuing to monitor and study potentially hazardous asteroids, we can better prepare ourselves for the potential threats that these space rocks pose to our planet.
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