NASA scientist Kelly Fast has issued a stark warning about the impending threat of city-killing asteroids, emphasizing the urgent need for planetary defense. Fast, a planetary defense officer, highlighted the existence of up to 15,000 undetected near-Earth asteroids, each with the potential to devastate an entire city. These 'city killers' measure around 500 feet in size, small enough to evade detection but large enough to cause significant damage. Fast's concern stems from the fact that only approximately 40% of these asteroids are currently known to us, leaving a vast number of potential threats unaccounted for. The challenge lies in their orbital paths, which prevent them from reflecting sunlight, making them difficult to spot even with advanced telescopes. To address this, scientists are developing a 'Near-Earth Object Surveyor space telescope' to detect these hidden asteroids. However, the current lack of funding for planetary defense measures raises concerns about our ability to respond effectively. Fast emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, stating, 'We need to take those steps to do it.' The situation is further complicated by the fact that even if these asteroids were detected, there might be limited options to prevent their impact. A 2022 experiment by NASA, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (Dart), successfully demonstrated the ability to knock asteroids off course by crashing a spacecraft into them at high speed. However, replicating this method with 'city killers' is challenging due to the lack of specialized deflector crafts. The potential impact of these asteroids is highlighted by the YR4 asteroid, which has been on our radar since 2024 and carries a 4% chance of striking the moon in 2032. To prevent a lunar crash, experts have proposed a drastic solution: blowing up the asteroid with nukes. This controversial idea raises questions about the ethical and practical implications of such actions. As we navigate this complex issue, it is crucial to engage in open discussions and consider various perspectives. The fate of our planet may depend on our ability to unite and address this growing threat.
