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WISE Discovers 95 New Near-Earth Asteroids

astroengine writes "NASA's Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) has turned up 25,000 new asteroid discoveries, 95 of which are near-Earth objects (NEOs). This mission is as fascinating as it is frightening. Capable of spotting any cosmic object glowing in infrared wavelengths, WISE has become an expert asteroid hunter, seeing these interplanetary vagabonds, some of which get uncomfortably close to our planet."

4 of 112 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Of course I want to know by ushering05401 · · Score: 5, Funny

    So Cletus turns to his friend Clem and says:

    "Clem, if there was an asteroid and it was going to absolutely pulverize the Earth; by which I mean it will smash the Earth to frickin smithereens; and you have got only thirty minutes left to your god blessed life what in the world would you do with yourself?"

    Clem chews his chaw a minute, spits, and retorts: "Well Cletus, I suppose I'd fuck the living hell out of the first thing that moved. How 'bout you good friend?"

    Cletus mulls the problem and, in solemn tone replies: "Well Clem, I'd prolly just stand perfectly still."

  2. Re:A WISE old owl? by ColaMan · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm curious why the potato chip company would want to search for asteroids though.

    A mass extinction event would seriously jeopardise their potato chip business. It's Business 101 people - always attempt to identify and classify any risks to your business. Jeez.

    --

    You are in a twisty maze of processor lines, all alike.
    There is a lot of hype here.
  3. Re:The question is... by TapeCutter · · Score: 5, Funny

    "The question is, would they tell us -- the general public -- if any of them were a real threat?"

    Of course they would, but then the general public will also be told by..

    Corporate lobbyists: Asteroids don't exist and these hacked emails prove it.
    Greenpeace: Minning companies altered it's orbit so as to get their hands on the minerals.
    Politicians: Dear voter, I think the same way about this issue as you do, whatever that may be.
    BP: For $2 billion we can put a hat on it.
    Obama: That's a mighty fine hat.
    Bush: Heck of a job there BP.
    Christians: Pack your bags, here comes the rapture.
    Muslims: Pack your bags, here come the virgins.
    Jews: I can see the promised land in my telescope.
    Myans: We told you so.
    New age mystics: There's a herbal remedy available for ass-ter-oids.

    --
    And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
  4. Re:This isn't scary at all by peragrin · · Score: 4, Funny

    Nope according to quantum theory they didn't exist before because we couldn't measure them. Or was that intelligent design? I always get the two confused. Both require the belief that in the beginning there was nothing and then it exploded.

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    i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.