The threat of a significant impact has been on the minds of astronomers for decades. There have been movies of varying quality made on the subject. However, the actual danger has been minimal. But now, scientists from NASA are worried that asteroid 1999 RQ36 might be on a collision course with Earth.
While the chances of impact are roughly 1 in 1000, the threat is real enough to make scientists anxious. The technology needed to deflect such an asteroid is in the theoretical phase of its evolution. And while, the collision won't happen for another 170 years (if it happens at all), the development of such systems has always been all talk and no action.
Should 1999 RQ36 reach Earth, the 560 metres wide rock would have devastating effects. Initially, the fallout would impact life for hundreds of miles in every direction. The long term effects are the greater worry however. With dust a debris launched into the atmosphere, light from the Sun would be irreversibly blocked. The results could mean the death of all life on Earth.
Sounds pretty dire doesn't it? Well, the truth of the matter is that all of that can be avoided with careful planning. But that means starting now and investing money into diversion technologies so that we are not scrambling at the last minute to devise a plan. That way, we are ready when 1999 RQ36 or some other object finds itself on a collision course with the rock we call home.
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