Currently, researchers are closely monitoring the movement of an asteroid (Near-Earth Object) with a diameter of 390 meters, which was discovered last year. It has garnered significant attention due to the potential risk of colliding with our planet…
 |
Image of Earth taken from satellite. |
According to NASA’s assessment, if Earth were to collide with this asteroid, with a probability of occurrence in 2036, it would release an energy equivalent to 100,000 times that of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima, Japan.
Under the immediate impact of the shock wave, thousands of square kilometers would become wasteland, and the remainder of Earth would be enveloped in dust and gas from the explosion propelled into the atmosphere.
Scientists believe that the time remaining to reach a final decision is very limited.
At a recent international conference on near-Earth objects held in London, researchers indicated that testing and refining technology to manufacture devices that could alter the asteroid’s trajectory may take decades.
Most experts agree that the simplest method is to launch a spacecraft towards the object to change its orbital path.
This approach is being planned as part of an exploration program named “Don Quichotte,” which will launch two artificial satellites aimed at the asteroid.
The first satellite, “Idalgo,” will impact the asteroid at a relatively low speed, while the second artificial satellite, “Shango,” will measure the change in the object’s trajectory. The construction of these two satellites will be approved in a few months, but their launch could take several decades.
By 2029, astronomers will know whether this asteroid will collide with Earth in 2036.
Quang Dũng
