Title: Lost Asteroid 2007 FT3 May Pose a Threat to Earth, but NASA Keeps Vigilant Watch
News outlets are buzzing with reports that Earth may face the danger of being struck by a “lost” asteroid, named 2007 FT3. This asteroid, if it were to collide with our planet, would unleash an explosive energy equivalent to a staggering 2.6 billion tons of TNT. NASA, however, has lost track of the asteroid, leaving a chance that it could strike our planet on October 5, 2024.
The existence of asteroid 2007 FT3 was first observed back in 2007, and it has since been listed on NASA’s Sentry Risk Table, which catalogs objects that could potentially impact Earth. Although it disappeared from NASA’s view after a mere 1.2 days of observation, scientists were able to calculate its orbit and potential collisions with Earth based on its arc, which was observed at 14 points.
According to NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies, there are a total of 89 potential impacts linked to asteroid 2007 FT3, including the October 5, 2024, date of concern. These reports have undoubtedly raised alarm bells, but NASA reassures that there is no immediate need for panic.
NASA and countless observatories worldwide monitor the movements of objects in the Solar System, especially “near Earth objects” that could inflict catastrophic damage if they were to intersect Earth’s path. As of now, astronomers can predict the paths of known objects up to a century ahead.
Thankfully, NASA has announced that there are no known asteroid impact threats to Earth within the next hundred years. This reassurance comes hand in hand with their diligent efforts to track and categorize asteroids and near-Earth objects diligently. Scientists have developed the ability to track larger asteroids’ orbits around the sun for years, if not decades, due to their size.
In the scenario where asteroid 2007 FT3 is rediscovered, scientists will get the opportunity to study its orbit more closely and assess the possibility of removing it from the list of potential Earth impactors.
In the highly unlikely event that asteroid 2007 FT3 does head towards Earth, scientists are already prepared to respond. Plans for a mission aimed at deflecting the asteroid would be put into action. While the chances of such an occurrence remain slim, scientists remain vigilant in order to safeguard our planet from any potential threats lurking amidst the vastness of space.
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