Michaelangelica Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 rom The TimesDecember 22, 2007Asteroid on collision course with MarsIf Mars is struck on January 30, the impact would cause an explosion equivalent to several megatonnes of TNTMark Henderson, Science EditorMars is in danger of being struck by an asteroid at the end of next month, astronomers have calculated. The newly discovered space rock known as 2007 WD5 has a one in 75 chance of colliding with the planet on January 30. While the probability of an impact is only slim, the odds have been cut from one in 350 when the object was first identified, and they are much shorter than is usual for new asteroids.Asteroid on collision course with Mars - Times Online Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeztar Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Awesome!I hope it hits. It be great to see some images from the probes and/or opportunity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janus Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 A few days ago, the odds were improved to 1 in 25. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeztar Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 A few days ago, the odds were improved to 1 in 25. Better odds than roulette! :eek_big:(freezy puts a dollar down on Red 1) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janus Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 And even if it misses, there is a 1 in 28 chance that the asteroid will be deflected into a an Earth orbit crossing path. At present, 2007 WD5, has an orbit with a perhelion slightly outside of Earth's orbit. If it misses Mars in the right way,It will be sling-shotted into an new orbit with a perhelion inside of Earth's orbit. Of course, if it misses in the other direction, it will be sling-shotted into an orbit with even a higher perhelion, one even further outside of Earth's orbit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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