The internet has been buzzing with reports of a potential asteroid collision. The asteroid in question, 2007 FT3, would unleash energy equivalent to 2.6 billion tons of TNT if it were to strike Earth. NASA, however, has lost track of it, and there’s a chance it could hit on October 5, 2024. This news, reported by IFL Science, understandably raises concerns.
2007 FT3 is a genuine asteroid listed on NASA’s Sentry Risk Table. It was observed for just 1.2 days in 2007, vanishing after that. Despite its “lost” status, astronomers calculated its orbit, identifying 89 potential impacts, including one in 2024.
But before panic sets in, there’s reassurance from NASA. The asteroid’s closest approach to Earth was predicted in 2019, and as we can see, nothing happened. NASA and other observatories regularly monitor objects near Earth, especially those larger than 140 meters, with the ability to cause significant damage.
NASA emphasizes no imminent asteroid threats to Earth in the next century. They diligently track and categorize asteroids and near-Earth objects, keeping a close eye on their orbits. If 2007 FT3 is rediscovered, it could be removed from the list of potential Earth impactors, or plans to deflect it could be devised.
While the story may sound alarming, NASA’s vigilance and ongoing efforts offer reassurance that Earth remains safeguarded against potential asteroid threats.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_FT3
https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=2007%20FT3&view=VOP
Source: IFL Science and JPL
