While we might assume that collectively the governments of this planet would have come up with some kind of defense plan regarding asteroids and other things of the sort colliding with our planet, but they have not. Sure, everyone has their own ideas but if something were to actually happen we would not know how to react.
According to Professor Alan Fitzsimmons, the concept of catastrophic impact in this sense is seemingly just a matter of time. When speaking to The BBC he noted that our planet itself is at risk of a serious disaster if measures of protection are not taken immediately. While things like the Hera mission are in place knowing which asteroids need to be monitored is quite the task considering the number present beyond our world.
He told BBC as follows on the topic noted above:
“We will get a serious asteroid impact sometime,”
“It may not be in our lifetime, but mother nature controls when that will happen.”
“We will need to do something about i. We’ll need to move that asteroid so it misses us and doesn’t hit us.”
“We can do as many calculations as we like, and we have done on paper but until you try it and check your calculations you don’t know if you’re going to succeed or not.”
“That’s why Hera is so important – it’s our test to see whether or not we can shift an asteroid so it doesn’t hit Earth.”
Sure, the idea of meeting the same fate that the dinosaurs might seem far fetched but it is quite possible. Professor Fitzsimmons because of this is calling on amateur astronomers to help space agencies track asteroids, especially those which could be potentially dangerous. Sure, right now near-Earth objects are monitored but what about asteroids that are not yet near Earth but are still on our path?
Sure, most asteroids even if coming into contact with our planet would not wipe us off the map completely but there is potential for disaster. If one were to come here and cause a ruckus it could change life as we know it in more ways than you could ever imagine. The way we function could be undermined and society even completely rerouted.
What do you think about the things this professor had to say? Do you think he is right or do you think he’s just a quack? I personally see his points and believe his work is very important.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-50605767