Is the threat of an asteroid hitting Earth exaggerated?
No, it’s not exaggerated. Compared to other hazards we face, it turns out to be a very real risk. Based on recent evidence, we estimate the chances of an asteroid doing catastrophic damage in the next century are approximately one in 5,000. Q: If we find an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, is there an international plan? A: No, there is no international plan. This is an area of which governments are sadly ignorant. What we really need to do is to carry out a surveillance programme first of all, and this is simply not being done. In essence, the only country doing anything in this area is the United States. There is no southern hemisphere asteroid search programme. Q: What is the difference between an asteroid and a comet? A: The difference between an asteroid and a comet is defined by what they are made of. Asteroids are lumps of rock and metal. Comets are basically dirty snowballs, and part of the ice of which they are made evaporates as they come closer to the Sun, giving t
