Near Earth Object Discussed at UN Meeting Has 1 in 625 Chance of Hitting Earth in 2040
Posted on February 27, 2012
Space.com reports that there is some concern about 2011 AG5, an asteroid that may come close to Earth in the year 2040.
..The asteroid was discussed at the 49th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The image above is an artist's impression of a Near Earth Object (NEO) - not of 2011 AG5 specifically.
Astronomers want to take another look at the asteroid in 2013 - when they will have good observation opportunities - before they decide to start planning up any type of deflection mission. It is possible the new data will indicate 2011 AG5 is not a threat to Earth. If the 2013 data indicates the asteroid is still on target to come close to Earth there will still be plenty of time to implement a space mission solution.
The impact probabilities for 2011 AG5 can be found here on NASA's Near Earth Object Program. There is a 1 in 625 chance the 460 feet wide asteroid will smack into our planet in 2040. Fortunately, this also means there is a 99.84% chance the asteroid will miss Earth in 2040. Astronomers are expecting these projections to change after they gather more data on 2011 AG5 in 2013.