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Large Asteroid Impact Likely -- But Not For A While

Posted by timothy on from the everything-that-rises-must-converge dept.

PhxBlue writes: "Astronomy.com has released a report, submitted to the 5 April Science magazine, that an asteroid known as 1950 DA has 1:300 odds of impacting Earth and causing widespread devastation. The good news is, the impact wouldn't happen until 16 March 2880; and the solutions suggested by the scientists don't involve Tea Leoni or Bruce Willis."

4 of 38 comments (clear)

  1. That's worrying... by Violet+Null · · Score: 3, Funny

    Because, I don't know about you, but I plan to be around in 2880. Just as soon as I get this accursed immortality serum to work correctly...

  2. What the Scientists were *really* thinking... by GTRacer · · Score: 4, Funny
    ...the solutions suggested by the scientists don't involve Tea Leoni or Bruce Willis.

    You know damn well at some point, there WAS a solution involving Ms. Leoni and Mr. Willis: Launch them now at the asteroid with sufficient velocity to alter its course by the fraction of a degree needed.

    The beauty of this plan is that it's cheap (no fancy-pants ships or suits needed), humanity benefits, and with luck, they'll keep Aerosmith on standby in case they need more mass...

    GTRacer
    - It's a JOKE. It's not a threat, okay?

    --
    Defending IP by destroying access to it? That makes sense, RIAA/MPAA. Go to the corner until you can play nice!
  3. Near Earth Orbit page for this object by EvilBastard · · Score: 4, Informative
    http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/1950da/

    And while you are there, don't forget to print out a copy of http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/risk/ to put on your wall, preferably next to the ship date or schedule for your latest project. Makes an excellent background for your desktop also

    Make note of 2000 SG344, which has a cumulative 1 in 1300 chance of hitting us in the period of 2068-2101 also.

    Or go to the Java Orbital Diagram and check out August 2049 for Asteroid 2002 CU11

    When was the last time you bought a lottery ticket ? What are the odds on that-life changing event, vs the odds on that page ?

    Here ends my happy thoughts for the day

  4. engrave it in a rock by Lepruhkawn · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It seems to me that if our society generates a bunch of data on what objects are likely to hit our planet, that we should make that information easy for future occupants of the planet to find.

    I mean, personally, I don't think it's too far fetched that by the time the 29th century rolls around, humans aren't coming out of some kind of dark age and are just getting back into exploring the solar system and stuff.

    Wouldn't they appreciate a heads up on what might kill them?

    It would be a shame to let all the info go to waste.

    --
    Jesus saves....And takes 1/2 damage.