Astronomers warn of 2036 asteroid collision
Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2011 12:35 pm
Possible asteroid collision?
An asteroid considered to be the largest threat to Earth may strike the planet within the next 25 years, according to Russian astronomers.
Scientists at St Petersburg State University have predicted that asteroid Apophis may hit Earth on April 13, 2036.
"Apophis will approach Earth at a distance of 37,000-38,000km on April 13, 2029. Its likely collision with Earth may occur on April 13, 2036," Professor Leonid Solokov said.
The chance of the asteroid striking Earth intact is slim as it will probably disintegrate into smaller pieces and hit the planet at various times.
But if the asteroid does collide with Earth, NASA estimates the energy from this particular asteroid to be roughly the same as hundreds of nuclear bombs.
However, they have recently released new research which shows the chance of Apophis striking in 2036 to be less than 1 in 45,000.
But astronomers say it is best to be prepared for all situations.
"Our task is to consider various alternatives and develop scenarios and plans of action depending on results of further observations of Apophis," Sokolov said.
Russia's space agency is currently considering a project to prevent the asteroid from colliding with Earth.
Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/technology/8 ... on-in-2036