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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on October 12, 2010, 03:58

Title: small asteroid to pass within Earth-Moon system Tuesday
Post by: sam on October 12, 2010, 03:58

Quote

A small asteroid will fly past Earth early Tuesday within the Earth-moon system. The asteroid, 2010 TD54, will have its closest approach to Earth's surface at an altitude of about 45,000 kilometers (27,960 miles) at 6:50 EDT a.m.

http://www.physorg.com/news206043733.html

Title: Re: small asteroid to pass within Earth-Moon system Tuesday
Post by: Clive on October 12, 2010, 08:23

That's much closer than the majority of so-called "near misses".  It's only one tenth the distance to the Moon and would have enough kinetic energy to do a lot of localised damage.   :o

Title: Re: small asteroid to pass within Earth-Moon system Tuesday
Post by: GillE on October 12, 2010, 09:43

It makes me wonder if we shouldn't be practising our "asteroid diversion techniques" against such a small body as a precursor to a more significant asteroid on a collision course.

Title: Re: small asteroid to pass within Earth-Moon system Tuesday
Post by: daveeb on October 12, 2010, 10:34

Quote from: GillE on October 12, 2010, 09:43

It makes me wonder if we shouldn't be practising our "asteroid diversion techniques" against such a small body as a precursor to a more significant asteroid on a collision course.

do we have any yet ?  :dunno:

Title: Re: small asteroid to pass within Earth-Moon system Tuesday
Post by: sam on October 12, 2010, 13:41

yep, nukes.

Title: Re: small asteroid to pass within Earth-Moon system Tuesday
Post by: Clive on October 12, 2010, 14:28

 ;D

Title: Re: small asteroid to pass within Earth-Moon system Tuesday
Post by: daveeb on October 12, 2010, 19:11

Quote from: sam on October 12, 2010, 13:41

yep, nukes.

Phew, and there was me thinking we were sitting ducks  ;D