A Million Rocks in the Solar System: How Many Truly Threaten the Planet?
World
Astronomers are expanding the map of cosmic threats: to date, approximately 40,000 asteroids have been identified with orbits passing in dangerous proximity to our planet. Scientists warn that the number of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) continues to rise as observation technology improves.
According to Nikolai Zheleznov, a researcher at the Institute of Applied Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the total number of discovered asteroids in the Solar System has exceeded 1 million. While most revolve harmlessly in the Main Belt between Mars and Jupiter, the group of objects that "visit" Earth's vicinity requires constant vigilance.
Of particular concern to specialists are the so-called "potentially hazardous asteroids" (PHAs). This category includes celestial bodies that come within 7.5 million kilometers of Earth. Among the 40,000 "neighbors," scientists have pinpointed 154 giants with diameters exceeding one kilometer. A collision with such an object could have global consequences. Despite the daunting figures, experts note that the regular tracking of new bodies allows for more accurate trajectory forecasting and enables early preparation for potential planetary defense scenarios.
Of particular concern to specialists are the so-called "potentially hazardous asteroids" (PHAs). This category includes celestial bodies that come within 7.5 million kilometers of Earth. Among the 40,000 "neighbors," scientists have pinpointed 154 giants with diameters exceeding one kilometer. A collision with such an object could have global consequences. Despite the daunting figures, experts note that the regular tracking of new bodies allows for more accurate trajectory forecasting and enables early preparation for potential planetary defense scenarios.
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