Asteroid Flies Under the Radar, Literally

mrn121 writes "Space.com is reporting that a 16-foot wide asteriod has passed the Earth in a phenomenally close call. The Asteroid, named 2004 YD5, passed just below the 22,300 mile range where geostationary satellites sit. What makes the incident most interesting is that the asteriod was not seen until after it passed the Earth, due to the well-known Cosmic Blind Spot caused by the Sun."

Comments

Asteroid Defence

[wheelbarrow]

We need to position something in orbit that we can hurl at incoming asteroids. The impact from the high speed collision would break the asteroid up or deflect it. To be effective, the collision object will need to be quite large. I propose that we position Michael Moore in orbit with some big accelerator rockets lashed to his back. Be a good citizen, Michael, your planet needs you.