NASA warns of potential asteroid impact, highlights Earth’s readiness challenges

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NASA warns of potential asteroid impact, highlights Earth’s readiness challenges

NASA has raised concern over hypothetical state of affairs the place a probably hazardous asteroid may strike Earth with a 72% likelihood on July 12, 2038.

Despite no imminent threats, the train carried out by NASA underscores important gaps in international preparedness for such occasions.

Key findings from planetary defence train

In the latest evaluation, NASA carried out the fifth biennial Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise, held at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel Maryland,  and practically 100 representatives from varied US authorities businesses and worldwide companions had been concerned within the planetary defence.

It aimed to supply precious insights into preparedness methods and foster collaboration throughout borders in mitigating potential asteroid threats.

Lindley Johnson, planetary protection officer emeritus at NASA Headquarters in Washington, stated “the train’s preliminary circumstances offered contributors with difficult uncertainties.

NASA warns of potential asteroid impact, highlights Earth’s readiness challenges

He emphasised that “predicting and preventing a large asteroid impact potentially represents humanity’s unique ability among natural disasters, thanks to advanced technology that allows for years of preparation.”

Technological milestones and developments

The train additionally marked a major milestone with the use of  information from NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, marking a pivotal step in planetary protection.

DART, identified for its profitable demonstration of redirecting an asteroid’s trajectory utilizing kinetic impactors, highlights technological developments in safeguarding Earth from potential impacts.

Future Preparedness with NEO Surveyor

In response to the necessity for early detection, NASA is progressing with NEO Surveyor, an infrared house telescope slated for launch in June 2028.

NEO Surveyor goals to considerably improve Earth’s functionality to detect and monitor near-Earth objects, mitigating dangers posed by potential impression threats.

Challenges Ahead

Despite technological developments, NASA stresses the significance for refining catastrophe administration plans and bettering readiness to execute house missions swiftly.

Addressing these challenges stays crucial to making sure international resilience towards future asteroid threats.

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First uploaded on: 24-06-2024 at 03:19 IST

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