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Science & Technology
Asteriod to Make Close Encounter with Earth Today
2013-01-09
Apophis, named after an Egyptian mythological demon, will not get closer than around nine million miles and scientists have ruled out any possibility of a cataclysmic collision

However, in 2036, there is a very small chance that Apophis could smash into Earth.

Scientists will use today's encounter to gauge just how much of a threat the asteroid really is.

Current models predict a tiny but real likelihood of a collision.

In 2029, Apophis is expected to whizz past at a distance a little too close for comfort ; just 30,000 kilometres.

That will put the asteroid inside the orbit of communication satellites.

When the asteroid was discovered in 2004 scientists calculated a one-in-45 chance of an impact in 2029. Improved predictions later lifted the threat.

The asteroid's latest near approach will occur at midnight UK time tonight.

Members of the public can view the event online via the Slooh web-based sky-watching service, which collects images from observatories around the world.

Slooh President Patrick Paolucci said: "Alone among all these near-Earth asteroids that have passed our way in recent years, Apophis has generated the most concern worldwide because of its extremely close approach in 2029 and potential impact, albeit small, in 2036. We are excited to cover this asteroid live for the general public."

Scientists at the American space agency NASA have calculated that if Apophis struck the Earth it would generate a blast equivalent to more than 500 megatons of TNT. In comparison, the most powerful hydrogen bomb ever detonated, the Soviet Tsar Bomba, released 57 megatons.

Posted by:Au Auric

#2  I'm more concerned that NASA's calcualtions prove correct lest we see the same kind of serious professional or argumentative disssension that has wrought the GWCC Boyz even before the US is officially under OWG + OWG NAU, where the only thing that Govt-Perts have achieved is to "agree to disagee".

Again, OLD DREAM/VISION = GUAM, EARTH-VISIBLE MOON EXPLOSIONS.

TO PARAPH KRAUTHAMMER - "SAY IT WID ME, AMERICA = AMERIKA, OWG MIGHTY USSA = OWG WEAK USRoA SSR, COMET APOPHIS IS A SMALL ROCK, THE MOON IS A BIG ROCK".

APOPHIS = S-M-A-L-L, MOON = B-I-G.

There may be no effective OWG SPace Defense because there is no effective OWG because US-World Govts, Perts are still arguing over everything + "agreeing to disagree", i.e. ARGUING OVER EVERYTHING, BUT HAVE SETTLED OR ACHIEVED OR ORGANIZED, ETC. NOTHING.

There is also the lingering threat or risk that Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9's "Earth-sized" or bigger fragmented impacts on Jupiter back in the 1990's may had blown large chunks or ejecta from Jupiter's surface into its high atmosphere, eventually to escape into deep space towards Earth.

MOON = B-I-G ROCK, CSL9 JUPITER CHUNK = B-I-G-G-E-R ROCK.

The above is exclusive of so-called "Planet X/Nibiru" + Technology, Civilization-damaging or destroying MASSIVE SOLAR STORMS/EMP [2013 Solar Maxima, lack of Sunspots].
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2013-01-09 20:41  

#1  I understand that the next 2 trips will be naked eye visible over the Atlantic. Kinda wild since it's only a couple of hundred yards in length. Hope to hell I'm alive and it's clear.

Posted by: Shipman   2013-01-09 16:36  

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