2023-11-19 12:00:00
Several asteroids threaten Earth! Marc Hay 19/11/2023 13:00 7 min
In the silent darkness of space, asteroids lurk, potential threats hovering over our planet. Their erratic trajectories sometimes bring them close to the Earth, raising concerns and questions about our vulnerability to these celestial colossi. But how much of a threat do these asteroids really pose to our world, and how vigilant should we be?
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In this article we will delve into the dark cosmic sky to take a close look at the asteroids lurking nearby, and we will determine if the alarm time has sounded.
Asteroids: rocks from space
Asteroids, these fragments of rock and metal, are the remains of the primitive solar system. There are several types of asteroids, each with its own characteristics. The three main groups are C, S, and M-type asteroids, each made of different materials. The number of asteroids is colossal, with over a million of them listed. However, there are probably many more that have not yet been discovered.
Asteroids: a real threat
Asteroids have already hit the Earth in the past, with dramatic consequences. One of the most notorious examples is the asteroid impact that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs approximately 66 million years ago. More recently, in 1908, an asteroid exploded in the atmosphere above Siberia, destroying thousands of hectares of forest.
Institutions and telescopes around the world track asteroids and classify them according to their dangerousness. However, some asteroids remain out of our field of view due to their small size or unpredictable trajectory through space.
The asteroids that currently threaten our planet
Five asteroids have recently attracted the attention of scientists and the general public because of their proximity to Earth. Some of these asteroids may one day cross our path, raising legitimate concerns about their potential impact.
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2023 DW : discovered on February 26, 2023 by a Chilean telescope, This 50 meter diameter asteroid could collide with Earth on February 14, 2046. There is about a 1.80% chance that it would hit Earth, and if it did, it could destroy a city the size of Lyon, although it is likely that it would fall into the Pacific Ocean .
Asteroid 2023 DW could collide with Earth on February 14, 2046. Infographic credit: AFP.
2023 DZ2: this asteroid, with a diameter estimated between 42 and 94 meters, passed near the Earth on March 25, 2023. It is considered a theoretical “city killer”, capable of destroying a city upon impact, although there was no risk of collision during its recent passage.
2023 NT1 : this asteroid, measuring approximately 60 meters in diameter, passed some 100,000 kilometers from Earth on July 13, 2023. It was detected and closely monitored due to its relative proximity to Earth.
2023 RS : detected by the Mt. Lemmon Survey, this asteroid passed very close to Earth, at a distance of only 10,000 km (about 6,500 miles), which is considerably close on a spatial scale. Its size is estimated between 0.9 and 2 meters.
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2023 SM_5 : discovered by Pan-STARRS 2, this asteroid passed at a distance of 375,000 km (approximately 233,000 miles) from Earth. Its size is estimated between 14 and 30 meters. Although the distance is relatively large, its significant size makes it worthy of monitoring. These asteroids are currently being closely scrutinized by scientists and space agencies around the world, testifying to constant vigilance in the face of these potentially dangerous celestial visitors.
How do we protect ourselves?
Faced with the reality of potentially dangerous asteroids, how can we protect ourselves? Space agencies around the world are constantly monitoring near-Earth asteroids to anticipate potential threats.
This continuous monitoring allows us to follow the evolution of the trajectories of asteroids, to calculate their impact probabilities, and to take appropriate measures in the event of imminent danger. However, it is important to note that some asteroids, due to their small size or unpredictable trajectory, can escape our vigilance.
The DART mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of deflecting an asteroid using kinetic impact.
The NASA and other space agencies don’t just monitor asteroids, they are also developing missions to test the ability to deflect an asteroid. One of these missions is the DART mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) launched in November 2021. This mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility to deflect an asteroid using kinetic impact. In September 2022, the DART mission probe was launched toward the asteroid Dimorphos, to study the impact results and better understand the science of asteroid deflection.
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Asteroids, with their destructive potential, are constant reminders of our vulnerability to the forces of the universe. However, through careful monitoring, technological advancements and diversion missions, humanity is progressing in its ability to prevent potential asteroid-related disasters.
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