Planetary Defense: NASA Radar Captures Two Large Asteroids Zooming Past Earth
The Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar had a busy few days observing asteroids 2024 MK and 2011 UL21 as they safely passed Earth. Researchers…
Planetary Defense News
Planetary defense is a field of space science focused on protecting Earth from potential impacts by asteroids and comets. This interdisciplinary endeavor involves detecting, tracking, and characterizing Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) to assess collision risks and develop strategies to mitigate these threats. Techniques for deflecting or disrupting an incoming NEO before it can impact Earth include kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, and nuclear devices, depending on the object’s size, composition, and trajectory. Collaborative efforts among global space agencies, such as NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office and the European Space Agency’s NEO Coordination Centre, are crucial for sharing data, coordinating response strategies, and conducting simulation exercises to enhance preparedness. The continuous monitoring and research in planetary defense aim to ensure that if a threatening NEO is identified, humanity is ready to respond effectively to prevent a catastrophic event.
Close Encounter: Two Large Asteroids Will Skim Past Earth Just 42 Hours Apart
Two asteroids, including the newly detected 2024 MK, will pass Earth safely this week, coinciding with Asteroid Day. The event highlights efforts such as the…
Spectacular Meteor Captured by ESA’s Fireball Camera in Cáceres, Spain [Video]
ESA’s fireball camera in Cáceres, Spain, captured a stunning meteor during the night of May 18-19, 2024, at 00:46 CEST on May 19 (22:46 UTC…
Stunning Fireball Over Spain and Portugal Tracked by Lightning Imager From Space
A meteor that lit up the skies over Spain and Portugal was captured by the Meteosat Third Generation Imager satellite and a ground-based camera in…
Asteroid’s Close Approach: Exploring Apophis With Cutting-Edge Mini Satellites
In 2029, asteroid Apophis will closely pass Earth, offering a rare research opportunity for projects like Germany’s NEAlight, which aims to develop defensive strategies against…
The Asteroid Hunters: 10 Years Preparing for “Armageddon”
The Chelyabinsk asteroid impact in 2013 highlighted the threat of asteroids and spurred international cooperation on planetary defense, leading to initiatives like the International Asteroid…
Unexpected Surprises Revealed: NASA’s Planetary Radar Images Asteroid As It Approaches Earth
During the close approach of 2008 OS7 with Earth on February 2, the agency’s Deep Space Network planetary radar gathered the first detailed images of…
“Potentially Hazardous” Stadium-Sized Asteroid Skims Earth in a Breathtaking Near Miss
In an event stirring both excitement and a heightened sense of cosmic awareness among astronomers and the public alike, a stadium-sized asteroid, known as 2008…
Impact Imminent: Racing To Track Asteroid 2024 BX1’s Collision Course With Earth
On January 20, 2024, astronomer Krisztián Sárneczky detected an asteroid on an imminent collision course with Earth. Just hours later, it struck our planet’s atmosphere…
Three Hours Before Impact: Small Asteroid Detected on an Imminent Collision Course With Earth
NASA’s Scout system accurately predicted the impact of asteroid 2024 BX1 over Germany, showcasing advancements in planetary defense by detecting and tracking small, harmless asteroids…
AI-Powered Lasers: A Modern Solution to Space Debris
West Virginia University is researching the use of AI-powered space lasers to redirect space debris, reducing collision risks. Supported by NASA, the initiative aims to…
ESA’s Planetary Defense Mission: Hera Asteroid Spacecraft Is Complete
ESA’s asteroid defense mission, Hera, has been successfully assembled at OHB Bremen in Germany. Hera is complete. ESA’s asteroid mission for planetary defense was built…
ESA’s Hera Mission: Mini-Radar Will Probe Asteroid’s Heart
ESA’s Juventas CubeSat will house the smallest space radar, JuRa, for the Hera mission, aiming to image inside the asteroid Dimorphos. Developed by IPAG and…
Join the Hunt: Astronomers Need Help Finding Asteroids Hurtling Through Our Solar System
Anyone with an internet connection can now join University of Arizona researchers as they work to discover asteroids hurtling through our solar system. Anyone can…
Defending Earth From Cosmic Threats: Planetary Defense Experts Unite!
The 8th IAA Planetary Defense Conference was held in Vienna to discuss efforts focused on addressing the asteroid impact hazard. Participants shared their knowledge and…
Hubble Movie of DART Asteroid Impact Debris Reveals Surprising and Remarkable Changes
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured a series of photos of rapid changes to the asteroid Dimorphos when it was deliberately hit by a 545-kilogram…
Hubble Space Telescope Captures Movie of DART Asteroid Impact Debris
This movie captures the breakup of the asteroid Dimorphos when it was deliberately hit by NASA’s 545-kilogram Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission spacecraft on…
Planetary Defense Success! NASA’s DART Data Validates Asteroid Kinetic Impact Method
Since NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) successfully impacted its target nearly five months ago, on September 26 — altering the orbit of the asteroid…