The next few months seem to be a swell time to either be a prophet of imminent doom, or merely a fan of outer-space activities.
Scientists have sounded an alarm on 1998 HL 1, a Near-Earth Object expected to fly-by very close to the Earth. The object is almost a kilometer wide, and expected to approach by the end of October.
Not just this, there are near about 800 asteroids additionally heading for our planet, according to NASA.
So, with fascination and terror, let’s see what to look out for in the coming months.
Near-Earth Object
A NEO, or Near-Earth Object is an asteroid or comet, flying almost 1.3 AU (Astronomical Units) near along the Sun’s closest approach. Which means that the object has to be 30% the distance the Earth is to Sun, to be called a Near-Earth Object.
Most of the time, these objects are not a big deal; sometimes though, there is a threat on the horizon. Such objects become points of concern for scientists. The alarm rings even louder, when a substantially sizable object drives-by very close to the Earth.
Historically, an asteroid has crashed into Earth, once every 2000 years. It seems like we might be due for a visit very soon.
What To Expect
Come Saturday, asteroid 2019 NO1 will come shockingly close to Earth, at around 0915 IST. At 32,000 mph, this 50-foot menace might feel unseemly at first. Its trajectory however, makes it potentially dangerous.
An 853-foot asteroid looks to cross our paths this Friday. 504800(2010 CO1) will reach Earth’s trajectory on September 13, at 2112 hours IST. The space rock will proximate at about 3.3 million miles from the Earth, during the fly-by.
If objects like these were to fall into Earth’s gravity, they would be most spectacularly displayed in the night sky, as a fireball burning up in the Earth’s atmosphere. This is the case with a majority of large NEO’s who tumble onto Earth’s pull.
But if an object was to fall intact into Earth, crashing into it – there would be doom and chaos all around.
Worst Case Scenario
In case an asteroid does impact onto Earth, there is a grave likelihood of half the planet suffering gargantuan Tsunamis and a shift in climate. Darkness would encompass the most of the planet, and half of all life on Earth would suffer extinction as a result.
Scientists Offer Solution
While there are many proposed ideas to deal with a potential threat, such as lasers, none can be set-up till the end of this month, sadly. This particular effort should’ve been planned long ago, and with the help of many countries no less.
Scientists seem to be frustrated by the lack of attention long-term threats receive – be it hazardous asteroids, or global warming. Short term anxieties and issues are tended to in a scurry, leaving foresight to be considered untenable speculation.
Whatever the deal is, the jury is out – we’re expected to receive a visit from a nearby object pretty soon. Let’s hope the one with the most threat, gets resolved with proper attention.