The idea of a NASA asteroid hitting Earth is a popular topic, often fueled by movies and sensational headlines. But what's the real story? NASA actively monitors near-Earth objects (NEOs), including asteroids, to assess any potential impact risks. They use telescopes and radar to track their orbits and predict their future paths.
While there are indeed thousands of asteroids, the vast majority pose no threat to our planet. NASA categorizes asteroids based on size, composition, and proximity to Earth. The good news is that they have identified and are tracking almost all of the very large asteroids that could cause global devastation. None of these pose an immediate threat for at least the next century.
However, smaller asteroids are more difficult to track. While a direct hit from a large asteroid is unlikely, NASA continues to refine its detection and tracking capabilities, and are also actively researching planetary defense strategies, like asteroid deflection, in case a hazardous object is discovered. So, while the possibility of an asteroid impact exists, NASA is diligently working to understand and mitigate the risks.
