How does an object get its Torino Scale number?
An object is assigned a 0 to 10 value on the Torino Scale based on its collision probability and its kinetic energy (proportional to its mass times the square of its encounter velocity). Categorization on the Torino Scale is based on the placement of a close approach event within a graphical representation of kinetic energy and collision probability . An object that is capable of making multiple close approaches to the Earth will have a separate Torino Scale value associated with each approach. (An object may be summarized by the single highest value that it attains on the Torino Scale.) There are no fractional values or decimal values used in the Torino Scale.
