The Asteroids Approaching Earth That Keep NASA Scientist Up at Night
Summary
NASA scientists are concerned about medium-sized asteroids that are difficult to detect but large enough to cause regional damage if they hit Earth. There are about 25,000 of these asteroids, and scientists have only found about 40% of them so far. NASA notes that while most near-Earth asteroids do not pose a risk, potentially hazardous asteroids require closer monitoring.Key Facts
- NASA is worried about medium-sized asteroids that could cause regional damage.
- There are about 25,000 medium-sized asteroids, but only 40% have been found.
- NASA's planetary defense officer, Kelly Fast, says small asteroids hit Earth often, but are not a major concern.
- Larger asteroids are tracked, and their locations are known.
- Near-Earth objects are asteroids that come close to Earth's orbit.
- Most near-Earth asteroids are not a threat, but potentially hazardous ones need monitoring.
- Potentially hazardous asteroids are over 460 feet wide and come within 4.6 million miles of Earth.
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