A new asteroid crater has been found approximately 400km off the coast of Guinea in Western Africa which could be the dinosaur killer's baby cousin.

Scientists&nbsp;believe that the asteroid created an impact crater with a diameter of 8.5km more than 300m below the seabed.

Dr Uisdean Nicholson from Heriot-Watt University identified the hidden depression when he was analysing seismic survey data to better understand past climatic changes on Earth.

Recording the different layers of rock and sediment underground, the surveys are frequently obtained by oil and gas prospectors.

Nicholson told BBC that "Nadir's shape is diagnostic of an asteroid impact. It's got a raised rim surrounding a central uplift area, and then layers of debris that extend outwards."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tiny-cat-sized-dinosaurs-walked-over-china-100-million-years-ago-probably-had-spikes-on-their-tail-506783" hreflang="en">Tiny cat-sized dinosaurs walked over China 100 million years ago; probably had spikes on their tail</a>

When an asteroid slammed into what is now the Gulf of Mexico 66 million years ago it wiped out dinosaurs and this particular study has raised the question of whether the Earth was bombarded on that terrible day by more than one space rock.

Throwing dusty material into the sky, the asteroid that created the Chicxulub Crater in the Gulf of Mexico is estimated to have been about 12km across.

Dr Veronica Bray from the University of Arizona said, "Our simulations suggest this crater was caused by the collision of a 400m-wide asteroid in 500-800m of water."

Amid speculation that the impactor that created Boltysh Crater in Ukraine may also be related to the Chicxulub, Nicholson's team has to be cautious about tying it to Nadir.

Highlighting the possibility that Nadir might have struck the planet a million or two years on either side of the Mexican cataclysm, professor Sean Gulick said that to find out whether they are the same or not the rocks from the west African crater are inspected in the lab.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A new asteroid crater has been found approximately 400km off the coast of Guinea in Western Africa which could be the dinosaur killer's baby cousin. Scientists believe that the asteroid created an impact crater with a diameter of 8.

A new asteroid crater has been found approximately 400km off the coast of Guinea in Western Africa which could be the dinosaur killer's baby cousin. Scientists believe that the asteroid created an impact crater with a diameter of 8.5km more than 300m below the seabed. Dr Uisdean Nicholson from Heriot-Watt University identified the hidden depression when he was analysing seismic survey data to better understand past climatic changes on Earth. Recording the different layers of rock and sediment underground, the surveys are frequently obtained by oil and gas prospectors. Nicholson told BBC that "Nadir's shape is diagnostic of an asteroid impact. It's got a raised rim surrounding a central uplift area, and then layers of debris that extend outwards." Also read | Tiny cat-sized dinosaurs walked over China 100 million years ago; probably had spikes on their tail When an asteroid slammed into what is now the Gulf of Mexico 66 million years ago it wiped out dinosaurs and this particular study has raised the question of whether the Earth was bombarded on that terrible day by more than one space rock. Throwing dusty material into the sky, the asteroid that created the Chicxulub Crater in the Gulf of Mexico is estimated to have been about 12km across. Dr Veronica Bray from the University of Arizona said, "Our simulations suggest this crater was caused by the collision of a 400m-wide asteroid in 500-800m of water." Amid speculation that the impactor that created Boltysh Crater in Ukraine may also be related to the Chicxulub, Nicholson's team has to be cautious about tying it to Nadir. Highlighting the possibility that Nadir might have struck the planet a million or two years on either side of the Mexican cataclysm, professor Sean Gulick said that to find out whether they are the same or not the rocks from the west African crater are inspected in the lab. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Scientists discover asteroid crater, it may be dinosaur killer's baby cousin

We all know how dinosaurs perished. A huge asteroid zoomed through space and slammed into Earth in what is now Mexico. The huge tsunamis followed by massive amount of dust obscuring even the Sun had devastating impact on life on Earth and among the major species to perish were dinosaurs.

Almost everyone who has slightest interest in history of life knows this. But a latest observation points at the possibility of the killer asteroid (named Chicxulub) may have been accompanied by a smaller asteroid. If the observation and the hypothesis is accepted, it will update our&nbsp;knowledge of pre-history.

The scientific study has been published in scientific journal Science Advances.

“The idea that [Chicxulub] had help — for want of a better phrase — would have really added insult to serious injury,” says study coauthor Veronica Bray. She is a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

The impact crater due to this asteroid is 8 km wide and has been buried hundreds of metres below the sea off the coast of west Africa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/listen-in-nasa-reshares-the-eerie-and-haunting-sound-of-a-black-hole-509528">Listen in! NASA reshares the eerie and haunting sound of a black hole</a>

The crater was found by Geologist Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. He stumbled upon the crater as he was analysing seismic waves. He observed a bowl-shaped structure that had a broken-up, terraced floor and a central peak that was pronounced. These are features of a large impact.&nbsp;

Unlike Chicxulub, scientist think that this particular asteroid did not have a huge global impact. Chicxulub asteroid caused tsunamis measuring hundreds of metres in height and kicked up massive amount of dust. This second asteroid is not considered to have caused such a catastrophic effect.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

We all know how dinosaurs perished. A huge asteroid zoomed through space and slammed into Earth in what is now Mexico. The huge tsunamis followed by massive amount of dust obscuring even the Sun had devastating impact on life on Earth and among the major species to perish were dinosaurs.

We all know how dinosaurs perished. A huge asteroid zoomed through space and slammed into Earth in what is now Mexico. The huge tsunamis followed by massive amount of dust obscuring even the Sun had devastating impact on life on Earth and among the major species to perish were dinosaurs. Almost everyone who has slightest interest in history of life knows this. But a latest observation points at the possibility of the killer asteroid (named Chicxulub) may have been accompanied by a smaller asteroid. If the observation and the hypothesis is accepted, it will update our knowledge of pre-history. The scientific study has been published in scientific journal Science Advances. “The idea that [Chicxulub] had help — for want of a better phrase — would have really added insult to serious injury,” says study coauthor Veronica Bray. She is a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The impact crater due to this asteroid is 8 km wide and has been buried hundreds of metres below the sea off the coast of west Africa. Listen in! NASA reshares the eerie and haunting sound of a black hole The crater was found by Geologist Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. He stumbled upon the crater as he was analysing seismic waves. He observed a bowl-shaped structure that had a broken-up, terraced floor and a central peak that was pronounced. These are features of a large impact. Unlike Chicxulub, scientist think that this particular asteroid did not have a huge global impact. Chicxulub asteroid caused tsunamis measuring hundreds of metres in height and kicked up massive amount of dust. This second asteroid is not considered to have caused such a catastrophic effect. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Did dinosaurs perish due to two asteroids strikes? Scientists think so

Findings of a Japanese space mission suggest that water may have been brought to Earth by asteroids from the outer edges of the solar system. An analysis&nbsp;of rare samples brought back to Earth in 2020 from the asteroid Ryugu led to the latest revelation.&nbsp;

Notably, to learn more about the origin of life and formation of the universe, Japanese space probe Hayabusa-2 had landed on the asteroid and fired an "impactor" into its surface, leading to the gathering of 5.4 grams (0.2 ounces) of rocks and dust.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-discover-amino-acids-in-asteroid-samples-during-hayabusa2-probe-485853">Astronomers discover amino acids in asteroid samples during Hayabusa2 probe</a>

In a new paper published in the journal Nature Astronomy, scientists said the Ryugu samples could help understand how oceans appeared on Earth billions of years ago. An earlier study published in June said scientists had found organic material which showed that some of the building blocks of life on Earth, amino acids, may have been formed in space.

"Volatile and organic-rich C-type asteroids may have been one of the main sources of Earth's water. The delivery of volatiles (that is, organics and water) to the Earth is still a subject of notable debate," said the study published Monday.

But the organic materials found "in Ryugu particles, identified in this study, probably represent one important source of volatiles".

The scientists hypothesised that such material probably has an "outer Solar System origin". However, it was "unlikely to be the only source of volatiles delivered to the early Earth".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-samples-from-hayabusa-2-space-probe-leave-japanese-scientists-speechless-349934">Asteroid samples from Hayabusa-2 space probe leave Japanese scientists 'speechless'</a>

Hayabusa-2, that was launched in 2014 to Ryugu, around 300 million kilometres away, returned to Earth's orbit two years ago. It brought with it a capsule containing the said sample.

In the Nature Astronomy study, the researchers again hailed the findings made possible by the mission.

"Ryugu particles are undoubtedly among the most uncontaminated Solar System materials available for laboratory study and ongoing investigations of these precious samples will certainly expand our understanding of early Solar System processes," the study said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Findings of a Japanese space mission suggest that water may have been brought to Earth by asteroids from the outer edges of the solar system. An analysis of rare samples brought back to Earth in 2020 from the asteroid Ryugu led to the latest revelation.

Findings of a Japanese space mission suggest that water may have been brought to Earth by asteroids from the outer edges of the solar system. An analysis of rare samples brought back to Earth in 2020 from the asteroid Ryugu led to the latest revelation. Notably, to learn more about the origin of life and formation of the universe, Japanese space probe Hayabusa-2 had landed on the asteroid and fired an "impactor" into its surface, leading to the gathering of 5.4 grams (0.2 ounces) of rocks and dust. Also Read | Astronomers discover amino acids in asteroid samples during Hayabusa2 probe In a new paper published in the journal Nature Astronomy, scientists said the Ryugu samples could help understand how oceans appeared on Earth billions of years ago. An earlier study published in June said scientists had found organic material which showed that some of the building blocks of life on Earth, amino acids, may have been formed in space. "Volatile and organic-rich C-type asteroids may have been one of the main sources of Earth's water. The delivery of volatiles (that is, organics and water) to the Earth is still a subject of notable debate," said the study published Monday. But the organic materials found "in Ryugu particles, identified in this study, probably represent one important source of volatiles". The scientists hypothesised that such material probably has an "outer Solar System origin". However, it was "unlikely to be the only source of volatiles delivered to the early Earth". Also Read | Asteroid samples from Hayabusa-2 space probe leave Japanese scientists 'speechless' Hayabusa-2, that was launched in 2014 to Ryugu, around 300 million kilometres away, returned to Earth's orbit two years ago. It brought with it a capsule containing the said sample. In the Nature Astronomy study, the researchers again hailed the findings made possible by the mission. "Ryugu particles are undoubtedly among the most uncontaminated Solar System materials available for laboratory study and ongoing investigations of these precious samples will certainly expand our understanding of early Solar System processes," the study said. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroids may have brought water to Earth billions of years ago, says study

A report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory states that a 213-meters wide asteroid named 2022 OE02, larger than the Statue of Unity (182 meters) located in the state of Gujarat, India is expected to come as close as 5.

A report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory states that a 213-meters wide asteroid named 2022 OE02, larger than the Statue of Unity (182 meters) located in the state of Gujarat, India is expected to come as close as 5.1 million kilometres to Earth. NASA has classified the asteroid as a potentially hazardous asteroid; meaning, it is a near-Earth Object (NEO) that poses a significant threat to the planet. A slight deviation in its current path and the asteroid might be hurtling towards the earth. However, scientists are assured that the asteroid will safely pass the Earth as the distance, roughly 13 times the average distance between Earth and the moon is far too long to bridge. As reported by WION, earlier this year in May, a giant 1,600-foot wide asteroid, larger than the Empire State Building whizzed past the Earth. At the time as well, scientists were concerned with the trajectory of the asteroid. However, the asteroid, which has made multiple rounds of Earth's orbit in the last few years, safely passed it at a distance of 3.2 million kilometres. It is due to zoom past again in May 2024 but much farther at 6.9 million miles. The next time it’ll come anywhere near as close as this weekend won’t be until May 2163. Read More: In a few hours, 1,600-ft wide asteroid will come close to Earth, say scientists However, NASA has already started its preparation for the worst-case scenario. It has launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART) which, if successful, will be earth's defence mechanism against rogue asteroids. Launched last year in November 2021 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the mission will crash into Dimorphos, a small moon that revolves around the asteroid Didymos. The collision is expected to take place in September or October. Watch: Gravitas: NASA plans to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid: Here's Why × DART is the latest of several NASA missions of recent years to explore and interact with asteroids, primordial rocky remnants from the solar system's formation 4.6 billion years ago. There are 10,000 known near-Earth asteroids 460 feet in size or greater, but none has a significant chance to hit in the next 100 years. Read More: NASA to crash spacecraft into asteroid's moon to save Earth (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

An asteroid bigger than Statue of Unity to hurtle dangerously close to Earth

According to a report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the asteroid 2022 OE02, which is 213-meters wide, is predicted to pass within 5.1 million kilometers of Earth.

An asteroid named 2022 OE02 is expected to come dangerously close to Earth

According to a report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the asteroid 2022 OE02, which is 213-metres wide, is predicted to pass within 5.1 million kilometres of Earth.

NASA: An asteroid named 2022 OE02 is expected to come dangerously close to Earth

This September, NASA will execute an exciting mission. It will try to deflect an asteroid through kinetic impact & change its orbit. The mission is called 'DART'. It will help develop the world's first 'planetary defence system'. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: NASA plans to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid: Here's Why

Amid the surge of Covid-19 cases along with other mutated variants, India has reported the presence of a `double mutant` coronavirus variant, triggering fear among many. 
 
However, health experts on Friday said that the double mutant variant may be less dangerous than expected as the most vulnerable patients are having only mild illnesses. 
 
The experts emphasised that as per the current evidence, new variants are observed from few states. But, details about its epidemiology are yet to be known.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-confirms-new-double-mutant-coronavirus-variant-372926">India confirms new double mutant coronavirus variant</a> 
 
"There is no need to panic about the strains and mutation as it`s a completely natural and unavoidable process. Covid appropriate behaviour and accepting vaccines remains the solution for any strain," Harshal R Salve, Associate Professor at Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, told IANS. 
 
Also, they are hopeful that the present vaccines available may help us protect against the recently reported variant too. 
 
"There is a strong possibility that the vaccine may be effective in protecting against a new variant," said Neha Gupta, Infectious Diseases Specialist at Medanta - The Medicity Gurgaon. 
 
This week, the Union Health Ministry said that a total of 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10,787 positive samples shared by the states and union territories, including a new double mutant variant. 
 
These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage, 34 samples of the South African (B.1.351) lineage and one sample of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. 
 
"Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish or direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states," the Health Ministry said. 
 
The government said that an analysis of the samples collected from Maharashtra showed "an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations" compared with December last year. 
 
"Such (double) mutations confer immune escape and increased infectivity," the health ministry said in a statement. 
 
These mutations have been found in about 15-20 per cent of samples and do not match any previously catalogued VOCs. 
 
These have been categorised as VOCs but require the same epidemiological and public health response of `increased testing, comprehensive tracking of close contacts, prompt isolation of positive cases and contacts as well as treatment as per National Treatment Protocol" by the states and Union Territories, according to the Health Ministry. 
 
According to Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport in the US, the E484Q is similar to E484K -- a mutation seen in the B.1.351 (South Africa) and P.1 (Brazil) variants, the BBC reported on Thursday. 
 
India reported 59,118 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since October 2020, taking the total tally to 1,18,46,652 on Friday. Cases have been increasing by leaps and bounds for the past two weeks. 
 
With the death of 257 people in the last 24 hours, the fatality toll has reached 1,60,949 in India. The active caseload in the country has mounted to 4,21,066.

Amid the surge of Covid-19 cases along with other mutated variants, India has reported the presence of a `double mutant` coronavirus variant, triggering fear among many.

Amid the surge of Covid-19 cases along with other mutated variants, India has reported the presence of a `double mutant` coronavirus variant, triggering fear among many. However, health experts on Friday said that the double mutant variant may be less dangerous than expected as the most vulnerable patients are having only mild illnesses. The experts emphasised that as per the current evidence, new variants are observed from few states. But, details about its epidemiology are yet to be known. Also read| India confirms new double mutant coronavirus variant "There is no need to panic about the strains and mutation as it`s a completely natural and unavoidable process. Covid appropriate behaviour and accepting vaccines remains the solution for any strain," Harshal R Salve, Associate Professor at Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, told IANS. Also, they are hopeful that the present vaccines available may help us protect against the recently reported variant too. "There is a strong possibility that the vaccine may be effective in protecting against a new variant," said Neha Gupta, Infectious Diseases Specialist at Medanta - The Medicity Gurgaon. This week, the Union Health Ministry said that a total of 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10,787 positive samples shared by the states and union territories, including a new double mutant variant. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage, 34 samples of the South African (B.1.351) lineage and one sample of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. "Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish or direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states," the Health Ministry said. The government said that an analysis of the samples collected from Maharashtra showed "an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations" compared with December last year. "Such (double) mutations confer immune escape and increased infectivity," the health ministry said in a statement. These mutations have been found in about 15-20 per cent of samples and do not match any previously catalogued VOCs. These have been categorised as VOCs but require the same epidemiological and public health response of `increased testing, comprehensive tracking of close contacts, prompt isolation of positive cases and contacts as well as treatment as per National Treatment Protocol" by the states and Union Territories, according to the Health Ministry. According to Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport in the US, the E484Q is similar to E484K -- a mutation seen in the B.1.351 (South Africa) and P.1 (Brazil) variants, the BBC reported on Thursday. India reported 59,118 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since October 2020, taking the total tally to 1,18,46,652 on Friday. Cases have been increasing by leaps and bounds for the past two weeks. With the death of 257 people in the last 24 hours, the fatality toll has reached 1,60,949 in India. The active caseload in the country has mounted to 4,21,066.

How do we escape asteroids a.k.a. the grim fate that the dinosaurs met with? China may have an answer

The resource hungry humanity is now aiming for space. The US, China is leading the hunt as asteroid mining may soon become a reality.

How feasible is mining in space? Asteroid mining may soon become a reality

A giant 1,600-foot wide asteroid, which is larger than the Empire State Building in New York City, will come dangerously close to Earth in 72 hours, NASA scientists have predicted.

The space rock — designated as 388945 (2008 TZ3) — is expected to make its closest approach on Sunday, May 15.

According to NASA's Near Earth Object (NEO), the space rock's size is estimated to be about 1,150 to 2,560 feet (350 to 780 meters) in diameter. It is currently travelling through space at about 23,300 miles per hour (37,400 kilometres an hour).

According to Live Science, at its closest approach to Earth, its speed will be about 30 times faster than the speed of sound, and it will cross Earth's orbit within 2 million miles&nbsp;(3.2 million kilometres).

But thankfully, its risk to humans will be pretty much non-existent because the Earth will keep it 3.5 million miles away from us.

NASA has been keeping a close eye on the rock and has revealed it’ll be a “close approach” in space terms, The New York Times reported.

Notably, this isn’t the one time that this asteroid has paid a visit to Earth. In 2020, it came even closer at 1.7 million miles away.

The asteroid actually passed Earth with no problems.

It routinely gives Earth a wave about every two years, as it circles around the Sun just like our planet.

It is due to zoom past again in May 2024 but much farther at 6.9 million miles.

The next time it’ll come anywhere near as close as this weekend won’t be until May 2163.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A giant 1,600-foot wide asteroid, which is larger than the Empire State Building in New York City, will come dangerously close to Earth in 72 hours, NASA scientists have predicted.

A giant 1,600-foot wide asteroid, which is larger than the Empire State Building in New York City, will come dangerously close to Earth in 72 hours, NASA scientists have predicted. The space rock — designated as 388945 (2008 TZ3) — is expected to make its closest approach on Sunday, May 15. According to NASA's Near Earth Object (NEO), the space rock's size is estimated to be about 1,150 to 2,560 feet (350 to 780 meters) in diameter. It is currently travelling through space at about 23,300 miles per hour (37,400 kilometres an hour). According to Live Science, at its closest approach to Earth, its speed will be about 30 times faster than the speed of sound, and it will cross Earth's orbit within 2 million miles (3.2 million kilometres). But thankfully, its risk to humans will be pretty much non-existent because the Earth will keep it 3.5 million miles away from us. NASA has been keeping a close eye on the rock and has revealed it’ll be a “close approach” in space terms, The New York Times reported. Notably, this isn’t the one time that this asteroid has paid a visit to Earth. In 2020, it came even closer at 1.7 million miles away. The asteroid actually passed Earth with no problems. It routinely gives Earth a wave about every two years, as it circles around the Sun just like our planet. It is due to zoom past again in May 2024 but much farther at 6.9 million miles. The next time it’ll come anywhere near as close as this weekend won’t be until May 2163. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In a few hours, 1,600-ft wide asteroid will come close to Earth, say scientists

Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely.

At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid. But does anybody know where it struck? &nbsp;

Well, maybe now as the experts have unraveled this mystery and have been able to pinpoint the exact location of the asteroid's impact on the ground. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-not-miss-it-catch-memorable-sight-of-eta-aquarids-meteor-shower-this-weekend-477019" hreflang="en">Do not miss it! Catch memorable sight of Eta Aquarids meteor shower this weekend&nbsp;</a>

The collision seems to have occurred about 66 million years ago. The catastrophic event had supposedly ended the realm of dinosaurs on the fateful day. &nbsp;

And, the answer is Chicxulub, Mexico, near the Yucatán Peninsula, as per media reports. &nbsp;

The dinosaur-killing asteroid seems to have had a diameter of 10.6 to 80.9 km. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-ufos-what-do-we-know-about-flying-saucers-476318/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The impact of the asteroid had created a crater of nearly 140-kilometres-wide. It would have also caused huge tidal waves with a height of several metres. It may have swept away all the living forms on the Earth at that time. &nbsp;

It would have also caused huge volcanic activity and earthquakes. &nbsp;

These apocalyptic conditions would have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a France 5 report said citing scientists. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely. At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid.

Around millions of years ago, dinosaurs used to rule the world and roam freely. At times, the extinction of dinosaurs is attributed to the impact of a huge asteroid. But does anybody know where it struck? Well, maybe now as the experts have unraveled this mystery and have been able to pinpoint the exact location of the asteroid's impact on the ground. Also Read: Do not miss it! Catch memorable sight of Eta Aquarids meteor shower this weekend The collision seems to have occurred about 66 million years ago. The catastrophic event had supposedly ended the realm of dinosaurs on the fateful day. And, the answer is Chicxulub, Mexico, near the Yucatán Peninsula, as per media reports. The dinosaur-killing asteroid seems to have had a diameter of 10.6 to 80.9 km. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? The impact of the asteroid had created a crater of nearly 140-kilometres-wide. It would have also caused huge tidal waves with a height of several metres. It may have swept away all the living forms on the Earth at that time. It would have also caused huge volcanic activity and earthquakes. These apocalyptic conditions would have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a France 5 report said citing scientists. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery revealed! Now, know where exactly dinosaur-killing asteroid hit Earth

It has been a staple for science fiction books and movies in the past to show technologies capable enough to target and destroy asteroids heading towards the earth. It seems like it can finally become a reality as China’s space agency announced a new space monitoring and defense system.

According to the state-backed media outlet Global Times, China National Space Administration (CSNA) deputy Wu Yanhua has said that they will be attempting to intercept an asteroid moving towards earth at an immense speed by crashing a spacecraft into its course and he added the mission can be launched by the year 2025.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-twitter-takeover-elon-musk-wants-to-add-cocaine-to-coca-cola-474530">After Twitter takeover, Elon Musk wants to add cocaine to Coca-Cola</a>

The first target is reported to be an asteroid which may come threatingly close to earth in 2025 and Yanhua told The Global Times that the system will be important in protecting ‘Earth and mankind’.

The system will feature a simulation software which can help in getting ready for possible scenarios and rehearsals will be organised in order to perfect the system before using it in a situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-respite-finally-google-begins-to-take-requests-for-removal-of-search-results-with-personal-info-474460" hreflang="en">Right to be forgotten: Google begins to take requests for removal of search results with personal info</a>

The system will connect both earth and space as the scientists will continue to monitor the situation in order to assess the threat levels of various asteroids. By crashing a spacecraft into the approaching asteroid, the scientists will be looking to change its course away from planet earth.

According to the report in The Global Times, the system is just at the establishment phase and the progress and findings of this system will be reviewed thoroughly before any sort of approval.

It has been a staple for science fiction books and movies in the past to show technologies capable enough to target and destroy asteroids heading towards the earth.

It has been a staple for science fiction books and movies in the past to show technologies capable enough to target and destroy asteroids heading towards the earth. It seems like it can finally become a reality as China’s space agency announced a new space monitoring and defense system. According to the state-backed media outlet Global Times, China National Space Administration (CSNA) deputy Wu Yanhua has said that they will be attempting to intercept an asteroid moving towards earth at an immense speed by crashing a spacecraft into its course and he added the mission can be launched by the year 2025. Also read | After Twitter takeover, Elon Musk wants to add cocaine to Coca-Cola The first target is reported to be an asteroid which may come threatingly close to earth in 2025 and Yanhua told The Global Times that the system will be important in protecting ‘Earth and mankind’. The system will feature a simulation software which can help in getting ready for possible scenarios and rehearsals will be organised in order to perfect the system before using it in a situation. Also read | Right to be forgotten: Google begins to take requests for removal of search results with personal info The system will connect both earth and space as the scientists will continue to monitor the situation in order to assess the threat levels of various asteroids. By crashing a spacecraft into the approaching asteroid, the scientists will be looking to change its course away from planet earth. According to the report in The Global Times, the system is just at the establishment phase and the progress and findings of this system will be reviewed thoroughly before any sort of approval.

China's space agency planning to detect and attack asteroids heading towards earth

Planet Earth may have harboured and nurtured life for millions of years but there have been catastrophic events in the past. Some of them were (literally) out of this world. An asteroid that struck Earth millions of years ago wiped off the majority of the life on the planet in one stroke. It spelt doom for dominance of dinosaurs and paved way for mammals to dominate the world.

Just because another asteroid of this power hasn't struck Earth since does not give a reason to relax. Such celestial rocks often zoom past Earth and space agencies around the world keep a close eye.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has said that a huge asteroid is coming into Earth's neigbourhood. This asteroid has been named 418135 (2008 AG33).

This asteroid has been labelled potentially hazardous asteroid. It is 450 metres wide. This makes it comparable to Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It has been classified as Apollo-class asteroid.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/presence-of-alien-tech-on-earth-scientist-wants-to-probe-interstellar-object-lying-in-the-pacific-ocean-473699">Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean'</a>

The asteroid is set to make its closest approach on Thursday (April 28).&nbsp;

Luckily for all life on Earth, the asteroid is going to zoom past the Earth. It packs enough punch to cause widespread destruction on Earth if it was to hit Earth head-on.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It will fly past the Earth at a distance of 3,240,000 kilometres. This may sound a lot but in astronomical terms, it is too small a distance.

Planet Earth may have harboured and nurtured life for millions of years but there have been catastrophic events in the past. Some of them were (literally) out of this world.

Planet Earth may have harboured and nurtured life for millions of years but there have been catastrophic events in the past. Some of them were (literally) out of this world. An asteroid that struck Earth millions of years ago wiped off the majority of the life on the planet in one stroke. It spelt doom for dominance of dinosaurs and paved way for mammals to dominate the world. Just because another asteroid of this power hasn't struck Earth since does not give a reason to relax. Such celestial rocks often zoom past Earth and space agencies around the world keep a close eye. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has said that a huge asteroid is coming into Earth's neigbourhood. This asteroid has been named 418135 (2008 AG33). This asteroid has been labelled potentially hazardous asteroid. It is 450 metres wide. This makes it comparable to Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It has been classified as Apollo-class asteroid. Also Read | Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean' The asteroid is set to make its closest approach on Thursday (April 28). Luckily for all life on Earth, the asteroid is going to zoom past the Earth. It packs enough punch to cause widespread destruction on Earth if it was to hit Earth head-on. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × It will fly past the Earth at a distance of 3,240,000 kilometres. This may sound a lot but in astronomical terms, it is too small a distance.

Asteroid the size of Golden Gate Bridge is approaching Earth

New research might have finally found why one side of the Moon's surface is different from the other.&nbsp;

The research revealed that one side of the Moon's surface might have been impacted when a massive asteroid slammed into it around 4.3 billion years ago.&nbsp;

A research report published earlier this month revealed that ancient collisions on the Moon's south pole changed patterns of convection in the lunar mantle.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-sighting-as-four-planets-line-up-in-the-sky-in-april-heres-how-to-watch-it-471784">Rare sighting as alignment of four planets will be visible through April. Here's how to watch it</a>

As per International Astronomical Union, there are more than 9,000 visible craters pockmarking the Moon. The craters have been made due to the impacts from meteors, asteroids and comets over billions of years.&nbsp;

However, the marking, or the craters, are not evenly distributed as it has been seen that the far side of the moon comparatively has a higher concentration of craters than the visible near side. The experts claimed that they have found the answer.&nbsp;

As per the latest study published in the journal Science Advances, it has been revealed that the South Pole–Aitken (SPA) basin on the lunar surface would have created a massive plume of heat. The heat probably propagated through the lunar interior.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/carbon-monoxide-levels-spike-due-to-billowing-smoke-from-wildfires-fueled-by-climate-change-study-472180">Carbon monoxide levels spike due to billowing smoke from wildfires fueled by climate change: Study</a>

For the unversed, the SPA basin is an immense impact crater on the far side of the Moon. The report mentioned that the plume would have carried certain materials, which is a suite of rare-Earth and heat-producing elements — to the Moon's nearside.&nbsp;

That concentration of elements might have created the nearside volcanic plains and would also have contributed to the volcanism.&nbsp;

"We know that big impacts like the one that formed SPA would create a lot of heat," said Matt Jones, who is a PhD candidate at Brown University and the study’s lead author.&nbsp;

"The question is how that heat affects the Moon's interior dynamics. What we show is that under any plausible conditions at the time that SPA formed, it ends up concentrating these heat-producing elements on the nearside. We expect that this contributed to the mantle melting that produced the lava flows we see on the surface," Jones added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

New research might have finally found why one side of the Moon's surface is different from the other. The research revealed that one side of the Moon's surface might have been impacted when a massive asteroid slammed into it around 4.

New research might have finally found why one side of the Moon's surface is different from the other. The research revealed that one side of the Moon's surface might have been impacted when a massive asteroid slammed into it around 4.3 billion years ago. A research report published earlier this month revealed that ancient collisions on the Moon's south pole changed patterns of convection in the lunar mantle. ALSO READ | Rare sighting as alignment of four planets will be visible through April. Here's how to watch it As per International Astronomical Union, there are more than 9,000 visible craters pockmarking the Moon. The craters have been made due to the impacts from meteors, asteroids and comets over billions of years. However, the marking, or the craters, are not evenly distributed as it has been seen that the far side of the moon comparatively has a higher concentration of craters than the visible near side. The experts claimed that they have found the answer. As per the latest study published in the journal Science Advances, it has been revealed that the South Pole–Aitken (SPA) basin on the lunar surface would have created a massive plume of heat. The heat probably propagated through the lunar interior. ALSO READ | Carbon monoxide levels spike due to billowing smoke from wildfires fueled by climate change: Study For the unversed, the SPA basin is an immense impact crater on the far side of the Moon. The report mentioned that the plume would have carried certain materials, which is a suite of rare-Earth and heat-producing elements — to the Moon's nearside. That concentration of elements might have created the nearside volcanic plains and would also have contributed to the volcanism. "We know that big impacts like the one that formed SPA would create a lot of heat," said Matt Jones, who is a PhD candidate at Brown University and the study’s lead author. "The question is how that heat affects the Moon's interior dynamics. What we show is that under any plausible conditions at the time that SPA formed, it ends up concentrating these heat-producing elements on the nearside. We expect that this contributed to the mantle melting that produced the lava flows we see on the surface," Jones added.

Why is one side of the Moon different from the other? An asteroid hit, perhaps.

Scientists claimed to have found a well-preserved fossil of a dinosaur leg touted to be from the time asteroid hit the Earth.

The limb of Thescelosaurus, covered with skin, was found at a fossil site in Tanis, North Dakota, 3,000kms away from the asteroid impact site in the Gulf of Mexico.

The British archaeologists, who have been working at the site, believe that it was killed and entombed around 66 million years ago when the asteroid rained down on the Earth, bringing an end to the era of dinosaurs.

The dig has been filmed for a BBC documentary Dinosaurs: The Final Day with Sir David Attenborough, who will review the fossil finds.

"It's a Thescelosaurus. It's from a group that we didn't have any previous record of what its skin looked like, and it shows very conclusively that these animals were very scaly, like lizards. They weren't feathered like their meat-eating contemporaries,” Prof Paul Barrett, a world-leading expert on herbivorous dinosaurs from London's Natural History Museum, told the BBC.

"This looks like an animal whose leg has simply been ripped off really quickly. There's no evidence on the leg of disease, there are no obvious pathologies, there's no trace of the leg being scavenged, such as bite marks or bits of it that are missing."

"So, the best idea that we have is that this is an animal that died more or less instantaneously."

The archaeologists also claimed to have discovered the fossilised remains of fish that breathed in debris from the asteroid.

Apart from that, the team also dug out a fossil turtle that was skewered by a wooden stake; the remains of small mammals and the burrows they made; skin from a horned triceratops; the embryo of a flying pterosaur inside its egg; and what appears to be a fragment from the asteroid impactor itself.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists claimed to have found a well-preserved fossil of a dinosaur leg touted to be from the time asteroid hit the Earth. The limb of Thescelosaurus, covered with skin, was found at a fossil site in Tanis, North Dakota, 3,000kms away from the asteroid impact site in the Gulf of Mexico.

Scientists claimed to have found a well-preserved fossil of a dinosaur leg touted to be from the time asteroid hit the Earth. The limb of Thescelosaurus, covered with skin, was found at a fossil site in Tanis, North Dakota, 3,000kms away from the asteroid impact site in the Gulf of Mexico. The British archaeologists, who have been working at the site, believe that it was killed and entombed around 66 million years ago when the asteroid rained down on the Earth, bringing an end to the era of dinosaurs. The dig has been filmed for a BBC documentary Dinosaurs: The Final Day with Sir David Attenborough, who will review the fossil finds. "It's a Thescelosaurus. It's from a group that we didn't have any previous record of what its skin looked like, and it shows very conclusively that these animals were very scaly, like lizards. They weren't feathered like their meat-eating contemporaries,” Prof Paul Barrett, a world-leading expert on herbivorous dinosaurs from London's Natural History Museum, told the BBC. "This looks like an animal whose leg has simply been ripped off really quickly. There's no evidence on the leg of disease, there are no obvious pathologies, there's no trace of the leg being scavenged, such as bite marks or bits of it that are missing." "So, the best idea that we have is that this is an animal that died more or less instantaneously." The archaeologists also claimed to have discovered the fossilised remains of fish that breathed in debris from the asteroid. Apart from that, the team also dug out a fossil turtle that was skewered by a wooden stake; the remains of small mammals and the burrows they made; skin from a horned triceratops; the embryo of a flying pterosaur inside its egg; and what appears to be a fragment from the asteroid impactor itself. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists find ‘perfectly preserved’ fossil of dinosaur that was killed on the day asteroid hit Earth

A 'potentially hazardous'&nbsp;asteroid is on its way to come near Earth. The asteroid isn't exactly small. It is comparable to Empire State Building. If this asteroid hits the Earth, it packs more than enough punch to cause widespread destruction.

Asteroid 2013 BO76, as it has been named is 450 metres (Nearly a half kilometre) across. The size may seem small but the high speed with which it is travelling gives it enough potential to cause major damage on Earth if it hits. The asteroid is flying at a staggering speed of 49513.45 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;

NASA has categorised the asteroid to be 'potentially hazardous'. It is then perhaps a good thing that it will fly past Earth at a distance of 51,11,759 kilometres. It will zoom past Earth on Thursday (March 24).

This is not the first time this asteroid has come into our neighbourhood to say Hi.&nbsp;

In 2013, it zoomed past the Earth at a distance of 78,88,295 kilometres. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has said that after Thursday's flyby, the same asteroid will visit Earth on July 14, 2033. At that time, it is expected to be at a distance of 1,91,85,926 kilometres from the Earth.

NASA's JPL has also orbital parameters of the asteroid along with its orbital diagram around Earth.

<img alt="NASA asteroid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56a74fd6-049b-44f3-828d-40b0bcb93980" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/asteroid.png" />

The intersecting orbits of the planets and the asteroid can clearly be seen in the picture above. Earth's orbit is visible in light blue colour while that of the asteroid has been depicted in white.

A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is on its way to come near Earth. The asteroid isn't exactly small. It is comparable to Empire State Building. If this asteroid hits the Earth, it packs more than enough punch to cause widespread destruction.

A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is on its way to come near Earth. The asteroid isn't exactly small. It is comparable to Empire State Building. If this asteroid hits the Earth, it packs more than enough punch to cause widespread destruction. Asteroid 2013 BO76, as it has been named is 450 metres (Nearly a half kilometre) across. The size may seem small but the high speed with which it is travelling gives it enough potential to cause major damage on Earth if it hits. The asteroid is flying at a staggering speed of 49513.45 kilometres per hour. NASA has categorised the asteroid to be 'potentially hazardous'. It is then perhaps a good thing that it will fly past Earth at a distance of 51,11,759 kilometres. It will zoom past Earth on Thursday (March 24). This is not the first time this asteroid has come into our neighbourhood to say Hi. In 2013, it zoomed past the Earth at a distance of 78,88,295 kilometres. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has said that after Thursday's flyby, the same asteroid will visit Earth on July 14, 2033. At that time, it is expected to be at a distance of 1,91,85,926 kilometres from the Earth. NASA's JPL has also orbital parameters of the asteroid along with its orbital diagram around Earth. The intersecting orbits of the planets and the asteroid can clearly be seen in the picture above. Earth's orbit is visible in light blue colour while that of the asteroid has been depicted in white.

A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is coming near Earth on Thursday: NASA

Although late detection of asteroids can prove suicidal for Earth, it seems to have been lucky this time. &nbsp;

Well, we are not kidding. Recently, an asteroid, which was around the size of a refrigerator, struck Earth's atmosphere just hours after getting spotted, said NASA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This has happened for the fifth time that an asteroid was able to get detected right before it hit the planet. &nbsp;

As it was too small, it wasn't dangerous, but we may not be lucky all the time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-researchers-claim-to-develop-satellite-killing-weapon-463714" hreflang="en">Chinese researchers claim to develop satellite-killing weapon</a>

Astronomer Krisztian Sarneczky spotted an asteroid at the Piszkéstető Observatory in Hungary on March 11. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center was informed by Sarneczky, which also confirmed it. &nbsp;

In a statement, NASA said that luckily for Earth, the asteroid, which was named 2022 EB5, was around 6½-feet-long, a size "too small to pose a hazard to Earth." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/recycled-plastic-bottles-pass-more-harmful-chemicals-into-contents-than-new-ones-warn-researchers-463736" hreflang="en">Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers</a>

NASA's "Scout" system, which keeps an eye for any potential impacts by asteroids, calculated the orbit of the rock and confirmed that it would certainly hit the planet. It also notified the Center for Near Earth Object Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and other asteroid impact systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It also determined that the rock would enter atmosphere of Earth around Jan Mayen, a Norwegian island, which is roughly 300 miles northeast of Iceland. At 5:23 pm EDT, the asteroid hit Earth as "Scout" predicted. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Although late detection of asteroids can prove suicidal for Earth, it seems to have been lucky this time. Well, we are not kidding. Recently, an asteroid, which was around the size of a refrigerator, struck Earth's atmosphere just hours after getting spotted, said NASA.

Although late detection of asteroids can prove suicidal for Earth, it seems to have been lucky this time. Well, we are not kidding. Recently, an asteroid, which was around the size of a refrigerator, struck Earth's atmosphere just hours after getting spotted, said NASA. This has happened for the fifth time that an asteroid was able to get detected right before it hit the planet. As it was too small, it wasn't dangerous, but we may not be lucky all the time. Also Read: Chinese researchers claim to develop satellite-killing weapon Astronomer Krisztian Sarneczky spotted an asteroid at the Piszkéstető Observatory in Hungary on March 11. The International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center was informed by Sarneczky, which also confirmed it. In a statement, NASA said that luckily for Earth, the asteroid, which was named 2022 EB5, was around 6½-feet-long, a size "too small to pose a hazard to Earth." Also Read: Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers NASA's "Scout" system, which keeps an eye for any potential impacts by asteroids, calculated the orbit of the rock and confirmed that it would certainly hit the planet. It also notified the Center for Near Earth Object Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and other asteroid impact systems. It also determined that the rock would enter atmosphere of Earth around Jan Mayen, a Norwegian island, which is roughly 300 miles northeast of Iceland. At 5:23 pm EDT, the asteroid hit Earth as "Scout" predicted. (With inputs from agencies)

Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA   

Asteroids are just space rocks measuring some kilometres across. But a direct hit and they cause mayhem for any living thing that's present on a planet. They have potential to wipe out life off the face of the planet or at least dramatically alter the dominance of species.

Dinosaurs that ruled the Earth millions of years ago were mostly eliminated in a single asteroid strike. Dinos ruled every food chain and food web on the planet and were THE most dominant species. Their extinction paved way for mammals to evolve safely and ultimately for us humans to be the masters of our planet. Another such asteroid hit may well spell doom for humankind.

It's good that we have our eyes in form of giant telescopes scanning the space for any oncoming danger.

An asteroid caused a scare in the scientific community earlier this year when it was declared that it may hit Earth in 2023. Astronomers in Arizona discovered the asteroid on 6 January 2022. The asteroid was 70 metres across and was called '2022 AE1.' It was predicted that it would hit the Earth on 4 July 2023.

Astronomers worldover scrambled to take a look at the space rock which potentially could end human race on Earth. Follow up observations were made.

To add to the scare, chances of the asteroid hitting the Earth were found to increase as the days went by. It was given one of the highest ranks on Palermo Scale, a measure scientists use to assess impact risk. Full Moon meant the space rock could not be tracked for next one week.

But when astronomers were able to track it again, they gave a sigh of relief as the analysis of the whole data revealed that a direct hit with Earth was unlikely.

"In my almost ten years at ESA I've never seen such a risky object," said Marco Micheli, astronomer at ESA's Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC). He was quoted by ScienceAlert.

Asteroids are just space rocks measuring some kilometres across. But a direct hit and they cause mayhem for any living thing that's present on a planet. They have potential to wipe out life off the face of the planet or at least dramatically alter the dominance of species.

Asteroids are just space rocks measuring some kilometres across. But a direct hit and they cause mayhem for any living thing that's present on a planet. They have potential to wipe out life off the face of the planet or at least dramatically alter the dominance of species. Dinosaurs that ruled the Earth millions of years ago were mostly eliminated in a single asteroid strike. Dinos ruled every food chain and food web on the planet and were THE most dominant species. Their extinction paved way for mammals to evolve safely and ultimately for us humans to be the masters of our planet. Another such asteroid hit may well spell doom for humankind. It's good that we have our eyes in form of giant telescopes scanning the space for any oncoming danger. An asteroid caused a scare in the scientific community earlier this year when it was declared that it may hit Earth in 2023. Astronomers in Arizona discovered the asteroid on 6 January 2022. The asteroid was 70 metres across and was called '2022 AE1.' It was predicted that it would hit the Earth on 4 July 2023. Astronomers worldover scrambled to take a look at the space rock which potentially could end human race on Earth. Follow up observations were made. To add to the scare, chances of the asteroid hitting the Earth were found to increase as the days went by. It was given one of the highest ranks on Palermo Scale, a measure scientists use to assess impact risk. Full Moon meant the space rock could not be tracked for next one week. But when astronomers were able to track it again, they gave a sigh of relief as the analysis of the whole data revealed that a direct hit with Earth was unlikely. "In my almost ten years at ESA I've never seen such a risky object," said Marco Micheli, astronomer at ESA's Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC). He was quoted by ScienceAlert.

Asteroid possibly hitting Earth has been revealed to be safe

Astronomers are developing an ingenious system to pulverise asteroids that they believe is the ''Earth's only chance in a catastrophe.''

"So far, humanity has been spared large-scale catastrophe as was visited upon our previous tenants, but counting upon being 'lucky' is a poor strategy in the longer term," said Professor Philip Lubin from the University of California Santa Barbara.

The experiment will be conducted on Trojan asteroids that can be wanderers in the solar system or material left over from their home planet's formation. They become ensnared by the planetary gravitational grip and subsequently orbit the sun along the same path as that planet.

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dccdc60-9d72-4606-bdac-8507d5ead0cc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2822%29_21.jpg" />

In picture: The illustration shows&nbsp;pulverising an incoming impactor into tiny pieces&nbsp;(Lubin/Experimental Cosmology Group, UCSB)

"In short intercept scenarios, the asteroid fragments of maximum ~10-meter [about 33 ft] diameter allow the Earth's atmosphere to act as a 'beam dump' where the fragments either burn up in the atmosphere or air burst, with the primary channel of energy going into spatially and temporally de-correlated shock waves," Lubin said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-has-space-business-has-become-the-final-profitable-frontier-452928" hreflang="en">Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier?</a>

"The effectiveness of the approach depends on the time to intercept and size of the asteroid, but allows for effective defense against asteroids in the multi-hundred-meter diameter class and could virtually eliminate the threat of mass destruction caused by these threats," Lubin explains.

"Compared to other threat reduction scenarios, this approach represents an extremely cost-effective, testable, and deployable approach with a logical roadmap of development and testing. Pre-deployment of the system into orbit or a lunar base allows for rapid response on the order of less than a day if needed," Lubin said.

"The great advantage of this approach is that it allows for terminal defense in the event of short warning times and target distance mitigation where orbital deflection is not feasible," said Lubin.&nbsp;

"Even intercepts as close as the Moon with intercept times of a few hours prior to impact are viable."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mexico-to-send-mini-robots-to-moon-for-soil-exploration-in-scientific-first-457927" hreflang="en">Mexico to send mini-robots to Moon for soil exploration in scientific first</a>

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has also launched a test mission DART spacecraft that they hope will alter an asteroid's trajectory with sheer kinetic force, plowing into it at high speed to nudge the space boulder off course just enough to keep our planet out of harm's way.

The asteroid that DART is aiming for poses no actual threat and is tiny compared with the cataclysmic Chicxulub asteroid that struck Earth some 66 million years ago, leading to extinction of the dinosaurs. But scientists say smaller asteroids are far more common and of greater theoretical concern in the near term.

DART's target is an asteroid "moonlet" the size of a football stadium that orbits a chunk of rock five times larger in a binary asteroid system named Didymos, the Greek word for twin.

The team behind DART, short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test, chose the Didymos system because its relative proximity to Earth and dual-asteroid configuration make it ideal for observing the results of the impact.

The plan is to fly the DART spacecraft directly into the moonlet, called Dimorphos, at 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kph), bumping it hard enough to shift its orbital track around the larger asteroid.

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers are developing an ingenious system to pulverise asteroids that they believe is the ''Earth's only chance in a catastrophe.'' "So far, humanity has been spared large-scale catastrophe as was visited upon our previous tenants, but counting upon being 'lucky' is a poor strategy in the longer term," said Professor Philip Lubin from the University of California Santa Barbara.

Astronomers are developing an ingenious system to pulverise asteroids that they believe is the ''Earth's only chance in a catastrophe.'' "So far, humanity has been spared large-scale catastrophe as was visited upon our previous tenants, but counting upon being 'lucky' is a poor strategy in the longer term," said Professor Philip Lubin from the University of California Santa Barbara. The experiment will be conducted on Trojan asteroids that can be wanderers in the solar system or material left over from their home planet's formation. They become ensnared by the planetary gravitational grip and subsequently orbit the sun along the same path as that planet. In picture: The illustration shows pulverising an incoming impactor into tiny pieces (Lubin/Experimental Cosmology Group, UCSB) "In short intercept scenarios, the asteroid fragments of maximum ~10-meter [about 33 ft] diameter allow the Earth's atmosphere to act as a 'beam dump' where the fragments either burn up in the atmosphere or air burst, with the primary channel of energy going into spatially and temporally de-correlated shock waves," Lubin said. Also see | Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier? "The effectiveness of the approach depends on the time to intercept and size of the asteroid, but allows for effective defense against asteroids in the multi-hundred-meter diameter class and could virtually eliminate the threat of mass destruction caused by these threats," Lubin explains. "Compared to other threat reduction scenarios, this approach represents an extremely cost-effective, testable, and deployable approach with a logical roadmap of development and testing. Pre-deployment of the system into orbit or a lunar base allows for rapid response on the order of less than a day if needed," Lubin said. "The great advantage of this approach is that it allows for terminal defense in the event of short warning times and target distance mitigation where orbital deflection is not feasible," said Lubin. "Even intercepts as close as the Moon with intercept times of a few hours prior to impact are viable." Also read | Mexico to send mini-robots to Moon for soil exploration in scientific first The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has also launched a test mission DART spacecraft that they hope will alter an asteroid's trajectory with sheer kinetic force, plowing into it at high speed to nudge the space boulder off course just enough to keep our planet out of harm's way. The asteroid that DART is aiming for poses no actual threat and is tiny compared with the cataclysmic Chicxulub asteroid that struck Earth some 66 million years ago, leading to extinction of the dinosaurs. But scientists say smaller asteroids are far more common and of greater theoretical concern in the near term. DART's target is an asteroid "moonlet" the size of a football stadium that orbits a chunk of rock five times larger in a binary asteroid system named Didymos, the Greek word for twin. The team behind DART, short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test, chose the Didymos system because its relative proximity to Earth and dual-asteroid configuration make it ideal for observing the results of the impact. The plan is to fly the DART spacecraft directly into the moonlet, called Dimorphos, at 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kph), bumping it hard enough to shift its orbital track around the larger asteroid. (With inputs from agencies)

'Earth's only chance in catastrophe': Astronomers are developing ingenious system to pulverise asteroids

Spring is popularly taken to be a pleasant time in colder countries at higher latitudes. The period provides relief from the freezing, long nights and days are just fine.

Dinosaurs would be the last animals to love the season of joy as the deadly asteroid that struck the Earth wiping out more than 75 per cent of life on the planet. The powerful, fearful beasts who ruled almost every food chain on the planet saw their hold vanish in one-stroke.

We know that an asteroid hit the Earth. We know that it caused major mayhem. But a group of scientists has answered 'when' did the killer asteroid strike. In which season of the year, to be precise.

The scientists say that the killer asteroid struck the Earth when it was springtime in Northern Hemisphere. In Southern Hemisphere, it was fall (or autumn).

The timing of the asteroid strike mattered for recovery of species in both hemispheres. Although life in both hemispheres was nearly wiped out, animals in Northern Hemisphere were especially affected. This was because springtime is usually season of mating and reproduction for many species. The amount of food that is consumed is more than during other seasons of the year.

Asteroid strike and subsequent imapct on global climate resulting into food shortage hit these animals hard.

This was evident as life in the Southern Hemisphere recovered faster than that in Northern Hemisphere after the impact.

The study has been published in journal Nature.

Spring is popularly taken to be a pleasant time in colder countries at higher latitudes. The period provides relief from the freezing, long nights and days are just fine.

Spring is popularly taken to be a pleasant time in colder countries at higher latitudes. The period provides relief from the freezing, long nights and days are just fine. Dinosaurs would be the last animals to love the season of joy as the deadly asteroid that struck the Earth wiping out more than 75 per cent of life on the planet. The powerful, fearful beasts who ruled almost every food chain on the planet saw their hold vanish in one-stroke. We know that an asteroid hit the Earth. We know that it caused major mayhem. But a group of scientists has answered 'when' did the killer asteroid strike. In which season of the year, to be precise. The scientists say that the killer asteroid struck the Earth when it was springtime in Northern Hemisphere. In Southern Hemisphere, it was fall (or autumn). The timing of the asteroid strike mattered for recovery of species in both hemispheres. Although life in both hemispheres was nearly wiped out, animals in Northern Hemisphere were especially affected. This was because springtime is usually season of mating and reproduction for many species. The amount of food that is consumed is more than during other seasons of the year. Asteroid strike and subsequent imapct on global climate resulting into food shortage hit these animals hard. This was evident as life in the Southern Hemisphere recovered faster than that in Northern Hemisphere after the impact. The study has been published in journal Nature.

Dinosaur-killing asteroid struck Earth in springtime, say scientists

We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons.

But one of the millions of asteroids in our solar system has now got the recognition of being an asteroid with three very own satellites. The asteroid is named 130 Elektra or just Elektra.

"Elektra is the first quadruple system ever detected," wrote a team of astronomers led by Anthony Berdeu of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand in their paper.

"This new detection … shows that dedicated data reduction and processing algorithms modeling the physics of the instruments can push their contrast limits further."

Asteroid Elektra is 260 kilometers (160 miles) across. It was first discovered in 1873. However, its first moon named S/2003 (130) 1 was discovered 130 years later. Its second moon S/2014 (130) 1 was discovered in 2014. Discovery of the third moon has made this an interesting system.

Discovering asteroids is a tough task to start with. Asteroids are much much smaller than planets and are dimly illuminated by sunlight. Satellites of asteroids (if any) are harder to detect still as they may appear very tiny specks of light, often outshone by their parent asteroid.

We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons.

We are generally comfortable with the idea of planets revolving around stars or satellites of individual planets. But many of us are yet to wrap our heads around an asteroid having its own moons. But one of the millions of asteroids in our solar system has now got the recognition of being an asteroid with three very own satellites. The asteroid is named 130 Elektra or just Elektra. "Elektra is the first quadruple system ever detected," wrote a team of astronomers led by Anthony Berdeu of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand in their paper. "This new detection … shows that dedicated data reduction and processing algorithms modeling the physics of the instruments can push their contrast limits further." Asteroid Elektra is 260 kilometers (160 miles) across. It was first discovered in 1873. However, its first moon named S/2003 (130) 1 was discovered 130 years later. Its second moon S/2014 (130) 1 was discovered in 2014. Discovery of the third moon has made this an interesting system. Discovering asteroids is a tough task to start with. Asteroids are much much smaller than planets and are dimly illuminated by sunlight. Satellites of asteroids (if any) are harder to detect still as they may appear very tiny specks of light, often outshone by their parent asteroid.

Asteroid with three moons of its own found for the first time

&nbsp;As per NASA's asteroid tracker, this Valentines day, three asteroids will make a "close approach" to Earth, and one of them is almost as huge as the iconic Arc De Triomphe. It is expected to be 154 feet wide.&nbsp;

Named 2022 CF3, the largest comet will shoot past our planet during the early hours of February 14.&nbsp;

The largest asteroid in the trio will move past the earth at a distance of 1.5 million miles. It reportedly is travelling at just under 9,000 miles per hour.

None of these asteroids are termed as large rocks. Also, none of these are expected to collide with Earth.

The other two rocks have been named 2020 DF and 2022 CF1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/58-feet-high-rogue-wave-recorded-off-coast-of-vancouver-island-says-study-452859">Also read |&nbsp;58-feet-high rogue wave recorded off coast of Vancouver Island, says study</a>

Asteroid 2020 DF is believed to come 933,000 miles away from Earth.

Earlier in January, a kilometre-sized asteroid flew past Earth.&nbsp;

The estimates by the NASA asteroid tracker confirm NASA's previous projections, which stated that the Earth would be safe from asteroid strikes within the next 100 years.&nbsp;

However, if the Earth had not been so fortunate, the consequences could have been disastrous.

As per NASA's asteroid tracker, this Valentines day, three asteroids will make a "close approach" to Earth, and one of them is almost as huge as the iconic Arc De Triomphe.

As per NASA's asteroid tracker, this Valentines day, three asteroids will make a "close approach" to Earth, and one of them is almost as huge as the iconic Arc De Triomphe. It is expected to be 154 feet wide. Named 2022 CF3, the largest comet will shoot past our planet during the early hours of February 14. The largest asteroid in the trio will move past the earth at a distance of 1.5 million miles. It reportedly is travelling at just under 9,000 miles per hour. None of these asteroids are termed as large rocks. Also, none of these are expected to collide with Earth. The other two rocks have been named 2020 DF and 2022 CF1. Also read | 58-feet-high rogue wave recorded off coast of Vancouver Island, says study Asteroid 2020 DF is believed to come 933,000 miles away from Earth. Earlier in January, a kilometre-sized asteroid flew past Earth. The estimates by the NASA asteroid tracker confirm NASA's previous projections, which stated that the Earth would be safe from asteroid strikes within the next 100 years. However, if the Earth had not been so fortunate, the consequences could have been disastrous.

Arc De Triomphe-sized asteroid to pass by Earth on Valentine's day; two more rocks to accompany it

Astronomers have spotted the youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in the solar system.

Split off from their parent body merely 300 years ago, they possess properties that are hard to explain due to their young age.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-that-even-dying-stars-can-give-birth-to-brand-new-planets-451084" hreflang="en">Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets</a>

Nicholas Moskovitz of Lowell Observatory said, “In the present day, the bodies don’t display any signs of cometary activity. So it remains a mystery how these objects could have gone from a single parent body, to individually active objects, to the inactive pair we see today in just 300 years.”

The findings of the study have been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

According to Petr Fatka of the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, “Thanks to the measurements performed with the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) in northern Arizona, it is clear that 2019 PR2 and 2019 QR6 come from the same parent object and their high orbital similarity is not coincidental.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-first-ever-wandering-black-hole-in-milky-way-galaxy-450795" hreflang="en">Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy</a>

While the larger asteroid measures about one kilometre in diametre and the other half that size, and they were found to have very similar orbits around the Sun.&nbsp;

The majority of asteroids in our solar system reside in the area between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter known as the main asteroid belt.&nbsp;

Closer to home, scientists have identified additional asteroids known as Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), whose orbits bring them within the vicinity of Earth.

“It’s very exciting to find such a young asteroid pair that was formed only about 300 years ago, which was like this morning—not even yesterday—in astronomical timescales,” says Fatka.

She explains, “To have a better idea about what process caused the disruption of the parent body, we have to wait until 2033 when both objects will be within the reach of our telescopes again.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have spotted the youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in the solar system. Split off from their parent body merely 300 years ago, they possess properties that are hard to explain due to their young age.

Astronomers have spotted the youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in the solar system. Split off from their parent body merely 300 years ago, they possess properties that are hard to explain due to their young age. Also read | Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets Nicholas Moskovitz of Lowell Observatory said, “In the present day, the bodies don’t display any signs of cometary activity. So it remains a mystery how these objects could have gone from a single parent body, to individually active objects, to the inactive pair we see today in just 300 years.” The findings of the study have been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. According to Petr Fatka of the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, “Thanks to the measurements performed with the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) in northern Arizona, it is clear that 2019 PR2 and 2019 QR6 come from the same parent object and their high orbital similarity is not coincidental.” Also read | Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy While the larger asteroid measures about one kilometre in diametre and the other half that size, and they were found to have very similar orbits around the Sun. The majority of asteroids in our solar system reside in the area between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter known as the main asteroid belt. Closer to home, scientists have identified additional asteroids known as Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), whose orbits bring them within the vicinity of Earth. “It’s very exciting to find such a young asteroid pair that was formed only about 300 years ago, which was like this morning—not even yesterday—in astronomical timescales,” says Fatka. She explains, “To have a better idea about what process caused the disruption of the parent body, we have to wait until 2033 when both objects will be within the reach of our telescopes again.” (With inputs from agencies)

Youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in solar system spotted by astronomers

Human eyes (and lenses) are almost always pointed at the sky. Along with wonders of the universe, they are also on the look-out for threats that may be hurtling towards Earth at speeds of thousands of miles an hour.

Asteroids pose great threat to Earth and humanity. A direct hit can singlehandedly wipe-out humanity's existence from the planet. This has happened before. A direct hit from an asteroid ended reign of dinosaurs millions of years ago. The species that was dominating nearly every food chain on the planet was eliminated in one stroke.

It is therefore wise to keep looking at the skies for any such threat.

Gianluca Masi, An astronomer at Virtual Telescope Project in Italy has clicked image of a potentially hazardous asteroid that is hurtling towards the Earth at the speed of 26,800 miles per hour.

<img alt="Asteroid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b009d28-cc91-4e5c-8dd2-01bb2f22e8f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/asteroid.JPG" />

(The actual asteroid has been indicated by an arrow in the image above)

The asteroid is soon going to have a close encounter with Earth. It is slated to take place on March 4 at 1:30 pm IST.

As per a report in Newsweek, the asteroid completes an orbit of the Sun in 384 days. The asteroid has indeed been classified 'potentially hazardous', but we need not worry about it being responsible for the end of humanity.

Classification as 'potentially hazardous' does not mean that the asteroid is going to hit us. It only means that it will pass closely by the Earth.

Human eyes (and lenses) are almost always pointed at the sky. Along with wonders of the universe, they are also on the look-out for threats that may be hurtling towards Earth at speeds of thousands of miles an hour.

Human eyes (and lenses) are almost always pointed at the sky. Along with wonders of the universe, they are also on the look-out for threats that may be hurtling towards Earth at speeds of thousands of miles an hour. Asteroids pose great threat to Earth and humanity. A direct hit can singlehandedly wipe-out humanity's existence from the planet. This has happened before. A direct hit from an asteroid ended reign of dinosaurs millions of years ago. The species that was dominating nearly every food chain on the planet was eliminated in one stroke. It is therefore wise to keep looking at the skies for any such threat. Gianluca Masi, An astronomer at Virtual Telescope Project in Italy has clicked image of a potentially hazardous asteroid that is hurtling towards the Earth at the speed of 26,800 miles per hour. (The actual asteroid has been indicated by an arrow in the image above) The asteroid is soon going to have a close encounter with Earth. It is slated to take place on March 4 at 1:30 pm IST. As per a report in Newsweek, the asteroid completes an orbit of the Sun in 384 days. The asteroid has indeed been classified 'potentially hazardous', but we need not worry about it being responsible for the end of humanity. Classification as 'potentially hazardous' does not mean that the asteroid is going to hit us. It only means that it will pass closely by the Earth.

Astronomer clicks photo of potentially hazardous asteroid coming towards Earth

Astronomers have discovered a new Trojan asteroid 2020 XL5 sharing Earth's orbit and has been estimated to hang around for at least 4000 years before zipping off to parts elsewhere.

New Trojan asteroid discovered sharing Earth's orbit, estimated to hang around for at least 4000 yrs

An asteroid, which is bigger than world’s tallest building, will pass ‘near’ Earth on February 1. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There is absolutely no need to worry as the Asteroid 7482, which is near-Earth object, is "very well-known and has been studied for decades" by NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/planet-killer-asteroid-passes-near-earth-track-it-live-here-445708" hreflang="en">Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here</a>

An object, which comes within 30 million miles of Earth, gets classified as a near-Earth object. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is also known as 1194 PC1 in NASA's asteroid database. NASA said, "Rest assured, 1994 PC1 will safely fly past our planet 1.2 million miles away." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-catches-glimpse-of-sun-emitting-mid-level-solar-flare-will-it-harm-us-446463" hreflang="en">NASA catches glimpse of Sun emitting mid-level solar flare. Will it harm us?</a>

Dr Susanna Kohler of American Astronomical Society, said, "One of the really cool things about a close-passing rock, like Asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1) is being able to watch as it soars past. &nbsp;

"There are a tonnes of asteroids and comets out there, but the majority are so far away that we can’t see their motion in real-time. The fact that this one’s coming so close provides a unique opportunity to actually watch it move across the sky," added Kohler. &nbsp;

"There are lots of observatories that will be live-streaming the event on the internet as Asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1) passes," Kohler further added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An asteroid, which is bigger than world’s tallest building, will pass ‘near’ Earth on February 1. There is absolutely no need to worry as the Asteroid 7482, which is near-Earth object, is "very well-known and has been studied for decades" by NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office.

An asteroid, which is bigger than world’s tallest building, will pass ‘near’ Earth on February 1. There is absolutely no need to worry as the Asteroid 7482, which is near-Earth object, is "very well-known and has been studied for decades" by NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. Also Read: Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here An object, which comes within 30 million miles of Earth, gets classified as a near-Earth object. It is also known as 1194 PC1 in NASA's asteroid database. NASA said, "Rest assured, 1994 PC1 will safely fly past our planet 1.2 million miles away." Also Read: NASA catches glimpse of Sun emitting mid-level solar flare. Will it harm us? Dr Susanna Kohler of American Astronomical Society, said, "One of the really cool things about a close-passing rock, like Asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1) is being able to watch as it soars past. "There are a tonnes of asteroids and comets out there, but the majority are so far away that we can’t see their motion in real-time. The fact that this one’s coming so close provides a unique opportunity to actually watch it move across the sky," added Kohler. "There are lots of observatories that will be live-streaming the event on the internet as Asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1) passes," Kohler further added. (With inputs from agencies)

Huge asteroid to pass ‘near’ Earth on February 1. Should we worry? Look up to find out   

There has always been fear of a massive asteroid cruising towards the Earth and wiping out the entire civilization in an instant.

It has happened millions of years ago—when dinosaurs were completely eradicated—and there is a possibility that an asteroid of such magnitude can enter the Earth’s atmosphere again.

There have been many films that have tried to capture such a catastrophic scenario and the latest Netflix flick ‘Don’t Look Up’ is no exception.

Just like the film, two scientists from the United States are running various simulations to analyse whether is it possible to thwart a 10km-wide asteroid from striking down the Earth.

The scientists believe there is a “technical” chance.

“We show that humanity has crossed a technological threshold to prevent us from ‘going the way of the dinosaurs’,” Prof Philip Lubin and Alex Cohen, both physics researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara, conclude in their paper posted this week on the Arxiv database.

The 15-page analysis begins by analysing the catastrophic events that could follow after a 10km-wide asteroid hits the Earth.

It says that the impact would have a similar energy to the asteroid event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

Allowing such an object to enter the Earth’s atmosphere could, in an extreme scenario, result in staggering atmospheric temperature rises of 300C, destroying virtually all life on Earth, the study noted.

They then discuss the options available with the humans to destroy the asteroid.

The first method is to pulverize it. This involves firing an array of nuclear missiles that would split the asteroid into smaller fragments that would either miss Earth entirely or be small enough to burn up in the atmosphere.

Radioactive fragments hitting the Earth would not be a major concern, the paper said.

The approach would pose political challenges, since testing the detonators before deployment would currently be banned under the nuclear test ban treaty, they said.

“In any realistic scenario of an existential threat, presumably logic would prevail, at least one would hope,” the authors write.

The paper overall paints an optimistic picture stating that averting the existential threat of a large, Earthbound asteroid is just at the limit of our technological capabilities.

“Ideally, we would never be in this situation, but better ready than dead.”

(With inputs from agencies)

There has always been fear of a massive asteroid cruising towards the Earth and wiping out the entire civilization in an instant. It has happened millions of years ago—when dinosaurs were completely eradicated—and there is a possibility that an asteroid of such magnitude can enter the Earth’s atmosphere again.

There has always been fear of a massive asteroid cruising towards the Earth and wiping out the entire civilization in an instant. It has happened millions of years ago—when dinosaurs were completely eradicated—and there is a possibility that an asteroid of such magnitude can enter the Earth’s atmosphere again. There have been many films that have tried to capture such a catastrophic scenario and the latest Netflix flick ‘Don’t Look Up’ is no exception. Just like the film, two scientists from the United States are running various simulations to analyse whether is it possible to thwart a 10km-wide asteroid from striking down the Earth. The scientists believe there is a “technical” chance. “We show that humanity has crossed a technological threshold to prevent us from ‘going the way of the dinosaurs’,” Prof Philip Lubin and Alex Cohen, both physics researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara, conclude in their paper posted this week on the Arxiv database. The 15-page analysis begins by analysing the catastrophic events that could follow after a 10km-wide asteroid hits the Earth. It says that the impact would have a similar energy to the asteroid event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Allowing such an object to enter the Earth’s atmosphere could, in an extreme scenario, result in staggering atmospheric temperature rises of 300C, destroying virtually all life on Earth, the study noted. They then discuss the options available with the humans to destroy the asteroid. The first method is to pulverize it. This involves firing an array of nuclear missiles that would split the asteroid into smaller fragments that would either miss Earth entirely or be small enough to burn up in the atmosphere. Radioactive fragments hitting the Earth would not be a major concern, the paper said. The approach would pose political challenges, since testing the detonators before deployment would currently be banned under the nuclear test ban treaty, they said. “In any realistic scenario of an existential threat, presumably logic would prevail, at least one would hope,” the authors write. The paper overall paints an optimistic picture stating that averting the existential threat of a large, Earthbound asteroid is just at the limit of our technological capabilities. “Ideally, we would never be in this situation, but better ready than dead.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Don’t Look Up’: Can humans stop asteroid Armageddon? Here’s what scientists have to say

A huge asteroid, which is around twice the size of world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, is going to pass Earth on Tuesday (January 18). &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the rock, which is identified as asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1), will pass the Earth at a distance of roughly 1.98 million kilometres. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plan-to-dim-sun-rays-gets-thumbs-down-from-experts-here-is-why-445348" hreflang="en">Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why</a>

The giant rock, which is bigger than any building on Earth, has been classified as ‘potentially hazardous’ and ‘Near-Earth Object’ due to its closeness to the planet when it passes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If an asteroid of this size god forbids collides with a planet like Earth, it can lead to catastrophic destruction. Luckily, it is highly unlikely in this case. This makes it highly crucial to track such rocks. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-interior-cooling-faster-than-expected-says-research-what-will-happen-next-444982" hreflang="en">Earth's interior cooling faster than expected, says research. What will happen next?</a>

You can track asteroid 1994 PC 1 here. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Near-Earth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/asteroid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#asteroid</a> 1994 PC1 (~1 km wide) is very well known and has been studied for decades by our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlanetaryDefense?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlanetaryDefense</a> experts. Rest assured, 1994 PC1 will safely fly past our planet 1.2 million miles away next Tues., Jan. 18. 
 
Track it yourself here: <a href="https://t.co/JMAPWiirZh">https://t.co/JMAPWiirZh</a> <a href="https://t.co/35pgUb1anq">pic.twitter.com/35pgUb1anq</a>
— NASA Asteroid Watch (@AsteroidWatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsteroidWatch/status/1481287446646112259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This rock will be closest to Earth at 4.51 pm EST on January 18 (3.21am IST on January 19).

This rock, which is about 1.6 km wide, is designated as an Apollo-class asteroid. It means it has an orbit broader than Earth's and that its orbital path around the Sun may cross our planet's.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A huge asteroid, which is around twice the size of world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, is going to pass Earth on Tuesday (January 18). According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the rock, which is identified as asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1), will pass the Earth at a distance of roughly 1.

A huge asteroid, which is around twice the size of world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, is going to pass Earth on Tuesday (January 18). According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the rock, which is identified as asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1), will pass the Earth at a distance of roughly 1.98 million kilometres. Also Read: Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why The giant rock, which is bigger than any building on Earth, has been classified as ‘potentially hazardous’ and ‘Near-Earth Object’ due to its closeness to the planet when it passes. If an asteroid of this size god forbids collides with a planet like Earth, it can lead to catastrophic destruction. Luckily, it is highly unlikely in this case. This makes it highly crucial to track such rocks. Also Read: Earth's interior cooling faster than expected, says research. What will happen next? You can track asteroid 1994 PC 1 here. Near-Earth #asteroid 1994 PC1 (~1 km wide) is very well known and has been studied for decades by our #PlanetaryDefense experts. Rest assured, 1994 PC1 will safely fly past our planet 1.2 million miles away next Tues., Jan. 18. Track it yourself here: https://t.co/JMAPWiirZh pic.twitter.com/35pgUb1anq — NASA Asteroid Watch (@AsteroidWatch) January 12, 2022 × This rock will be closest to Earth at 4.51 pm EST on January 18 (3.21am IST on January 19). This rock, which is about 1.6 km wide, is designated as an Apollo-class asteroid. It means it has an orbit broader than Earth's and that its orbital path around the Sun may cross our planet's. (With inputs from agencies)

Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here

A 555.55-carat black diamond called ‘The Enigma’ has been unveiled in Dubai. Auction house Sotheby's displayed the rare gem to scribes as part of a tour in Dubai and Los Angeles. The diamond, which is believed to have come from outer space, will be put up for auction in February in London.

From outer space? 555.55-carat black diamond ‘The Enigma’ set for auction

Space is a dangerous place, courtesy asteroids. No, we are not kidding, ask the dinosaurs if you can. &nbsp;&nbsp;

An asteroid has the potential to cause destruction of species or complete planet. Well, it can also quietly pass by or burn on the entry through atmosphere. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, you must look up to see what really happens. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-milky-way-galaxys-latest-collision-443672" hreflang="en">This is Milky Way galaxy's latest collision</a>

An around 104-metre-wide asteroid is passing near Earth on Tuesday (January 11), a report said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The rock has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”, as per the report of the Mirror. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;It’s time to ‘look up’: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-time-to-look-up-witness-building-sized-asteroid-pass-near-earth-443821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth. The rock has been named Asteroid 2013 YD48 by NASA and seems to be bigger than the iconic Big Ben. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-astronomers-watch-a-dying-star-explode-in-real-time-442861" hreflang="en">In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time</a>

Although it will miss Earth by a long distance, it’s actually not that much in terms of space. &nbsp; &nbsp;

NASA seems to classify any object that passes within 120 million miles of Earth as a Near-Earth Object (NEO). It is done as even a slight change in the trajectory due to an obstruction can prove fatal for Earth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Numerous scientists spend hours every day to track thousands of such rocks to know more about universe and take timely action if Earth is in danger. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Space is a dangerous place, courtesy asteroids. No, we are not kidding, ask the dinosaurs if you can. An asteroid has the potential to cause destruction of species or complete planet.

Space is a dangerous place, courtesy asteroids. No, we are not kidding, ask the dinosaurs if you can. An asteroid has the potential to cause destruction of species or complete planet. Well, it can also quietly pass by or burn on the entry through atmosphere. However, you must look up to see what really happens. Also Read: This is Milky Way galaxy's latest collision An around 104-metre-wide asteroid is passing near Earth on Tuesday (January 11), a report said. The rock has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”, as per the report of the Mirror. Watch: It’s time to ‘look up’: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth × It will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth. The rock has been named Asteroid 2013 YD48 by NASA and seems to be bigger than the iconic Big Ben. Also Read: In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time Although it will miss Earth by a long distance, it’s actually not that much in terms of space. NASA seems to classify any object that passes within 120 million miles of Earth as a Near-Earth Object (NEO). It is done as even a slight change in the trajectory due to an obstruction can prove fatal for Earth. Numerous scientists spend hours every day to track thousands of such rocks to know more about universe and take timely action if Earth is in danger. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Look Up’ before it’s too late: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth

A 104-metre-wide asteroid, which will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth, is going to pass near the planet. The asteroid has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”. The rock, which seems to be bigger than the iconic Big Ben, has been named Asteroid 2013 YD48 by NASA.

It’s time to ‘look up’: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth

asteroid

Asteroid, News on Asteroid, stories on Asteroid, articles on Asteroid, Asteroid stories at Wion, Asteroid news, Asteroid latest news