A potential asteroid impact on Earth may sound like the stuff of movies, but scientists warn it is a real possibility.
NASA estimates the chance of an asteroid striking Earth in any given year is about one in 300,000.
However, recent advancements in technology have brought hope. A scientist from the University of Murcia, Professor Oscar del Barco Novillo, has developed an equation that could help track asteroids with more precision, possibly preventing a catastrophic collision.
According to PHYS.org, Professor Novillo's equation addresses the phenomenon known as "gravitational deflection," where light is bent as it passes through a strong gravitational field, such as that of the Sun.
This effect means that astronomers may not see distant objects, like asteroids, in the exact location where they are. By factoring in the deflection of light, this new equation allows scientists to more accurately determine the positions of minor objects in the solar system, including asteroids, which could pose a threat to Earth.
As Professor Novillo explained, "The light beams we receive from minor objects like asteroids are deflected by the Sun and planets, shifting their actual positions."
This means that slight miscalculations in an asteroid's orbit could have deadly consequences. With this new approach, the positions and orbits of these objects can be calculated more precisely, which is essential for planetary defense.
Advancements in Asteroid Deflection and Detection Could Protect Earth
NASA and other space agencies are already working on methods to deflect asteroids that might be on a collision course with Earth. One such method is the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), which demonstrated that a spacecraft could successfully alter an asteroid's path, according to MailOnline.
However, scientists agree that early detection is critical. If an asteroid is spotted years before impact, space agencies would have time to plan a mission to divert it, potentially saving millions of lives.
This breakthrough in understanding asteroid movements is also opening doors to better understanding distant stars and galaxies. By using this equation, astronomers could more accurately pinpoint the location of Proxima Centauri, the closest star to Earth beyond our Sun, and study exoplanets orbiting it. Additionally, this research may help map galaxies and improve our understanding of the universe.
While asteroid impacts are a real threat, advancements in tracking and deflecting these objects provide a promising way to prevent a disaster. The more precise our calculations are, the more prepared we will be to protect our planet from harm.
