Asteroid Bennu now has a greater chance of hitting Earth through 2300, but still slim


0

Asteroid Bennu now has a greater chance of hitting Earth through 2300, but still slim

 

(CNN) Bennu is one of the most hazardous known asteroids in our solar system. Thanks to a visit by a NASA spacecraft, scientists have a much greater understanding of the near-Earth asteroid, its upcoming closest approaches to Earth — and whether it could impact our planet.

The data collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission over two years allowed for precision tracking of Bennu’s movements through 2300, reducing the uncertainties scientists had about the asteroid’s future orbit. The findings show Bennu has a 1 in 1,750 chance of impacting Earth through 2300 — higher than previously thought.


Like it? Share with your friends!

0
WEB EDUCATION