Asteroid could hit Mars in January
Posted: Fri, Dec 21, 2007, 7:43 AM ET (1243 GMT)
Astronomers are tracking an asteroid that has a small chance of hitting the planet Mars in January. The 2007 WD5, estimated to be about 50 meters in diameter, has a 1-in-75 chance of hitting Mars on January 30, according to tracking data analyzed by JPL. If it does impact, it would likely create a crater nearly a kilometers across and generate a massive dust cloud easily visible by spacecraft in Mars orbit or even telescopes on Earth. The asteroid is currently out of view until early January, when astronomers plan to refine the asteroid's orbit and better determine its odds of hitting the planet.
Astronomers are tracking an asteroid that has a small chance of hitting the planet Mars in January. The 2007 WD5, estimated to be about 50 meters in diameter, has a 1-in-75 chance of hitting Mars on January 30, according to tracking data analyzed by JPL. If it does impact, it would likely create a crater nearly a kilometers across and generate a massive dust cloud easily visible by spacecraft in Mars orbit or even telescopes on Earth. The asteroid is currently out of view until early January, when astronomers plan to refine the asteroid's orbit and better determine its odds of hitting the planet.
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Monday, April 27
Program: PNG Starlink ban to end after National Court ruling
Australian Broadcasting Corporation — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) Starlink set to return to Papua New Guinea after court quashes ban, clearing path for connectivity
Radio New Zealand — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) U.S. Space Command Commander Gen. Stephen N. Whiting to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Redstone Arsenal
US Space Command — 5:25 am ET (0925 GMT) Space Command facility ribbon cutting set for Wednesday
WAFF-TV — 5:25 am ET (0925 GMT) SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base Sunday morning
KSBY-TV San Luis Obispo, CA — 5:24 am ET (0924 GMT) |
