MOSCOW, September 28 Creating a map of a dangerous asteroid is a multifaceted task, but this can be done if its surface is successfully imaged from a spacecraft, the Integrated Laboratory for the Study of Extraterrestrials reported territories of the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK).
«»A feature of asteroids that are potentially dangerous to the Earth is the enormous speed of their movement. It is extremely difficult to organize a mission to such a fast-flying object, which becomes visible only when it enters the zone of sunlight. Therefore, obtaining detailed images for mapping, also on time, is extremely unlikely. On the other hand, if there is information (images) and a solid surface of the asteroid, it will, of course, be possible to create a map,” the institute reported.
On September 24, the American probe OSIRIS-REx delivered a soil sample from the asteroid Bennu to Earth. The celestial body was discovered in 1999; it is considered an asteroid close to Earth and approaches the planet every six years. Bennu is considered a potentially dangerous object for the planet; according to calculations of its trajectory, it may collide with the Earth in the period from 2169 to 2199. The diameter of the asteroid is 560 meters, its fall would lead to serious consequences.
«Armageddon» is a 1998 American disaster film. In the story, a huge asteroid is approaching the Earth, capable of destroying life on the planet. A team of astronauts goes into space to blow up a dangerous object and prevent the apocalypse.
March 7, 08:00