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We were all doomed to die on Friday the 13th, 2029

science.nasa.gov

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Re: We were all doomed to die on Friday the 13th, 2029

#4

Post by theandrewbailey »

> On April 13, 2029, asteroid 2004 MN4 will fly past Earth only 18,600 miles (30,000 km) above the ground. For comparison, geosynchronous satellites orbit at 22,300 miles (36,000 km).

Usually clickbait pop-astronomy articles are for a tiny asteroid coming within a million miles (aka 999,000 miles) of Earth, but not stating that the moon is much bigger and much closer. Coming closer than geostationary satellites is notable, and a bit too close for comfort.

Re: We were all doomed to die on Friday the 13th, 2029

#5

Post by joering2 »

theandrewbailey wrote: post #4

> On April 13, 2029, asteroid 2004 MN4 will fly past Earth only 18,600 miles (30,000 km) above the ground. For comparison, geosynchronous satellites orbit at 22,300 miles (36,000 km). Usually clickbait pop-astronomy articles are for a tiny asteroid coming within a million miles (aka 999,000 miles) of Earth, but not stating that the moon is much bigger and much closer. Coming closer than geostationary satellites is no…

Not sure if pop-astronomy - the link directs to NASA site.

I decided for title to be somewhat more spicey in hopes it will create a longer and deeper conversation re asteroids and the danger they present to live on Earth.

Clickbaity I agree, it is not misleading tho - for close to 15 years we weren't sure whether it will hit or miss. I would argue we are still too far off from the randevou date. At the distance MN4 is today, any collision with another body of even 1% of its weight, could change trajectory dramatically - put Earth on a bullseye path, or "kick" asteroid out of Earth orbit trajectory altogether.

We will have to live there to see it, I guess.

Re: We were all doomed to die on Friday the 13th, 2029

#7

Post by peakaboo »

akagusu wrote: post #6

It's about time. The world needs a break from humans.

You mean our leaders i think. It's a common mistake to look at the world and think ordinary humans are causing all the problems when it's the leaders of each country and huge corporation causing them.

Re: We were all doomed to die on Friday the 13th, 2029

#8

Post by ecolonsmak »

peakaboo wrote: post #7
akagusu wrote: post #6

It's about time. The world needs a break from humans.

You mean our leaders i think. It's a common mistake to look at the world and think ordinary humans are causing all the problems when it's the leaders of each country and huge corporation causing them.

it would be a mistake to think leaders are any different than ordinary humans.

Re: We were all doomed to die on Friday the 13th, 2029

#9

Post by InfiniteRand »

theandrewbailey wrote: post #4

> On April 13, 2029, asteroid 2004 MN4 will fly past Earth only 18,600 miles (30,000 km) above the ground. For comparison, geosynchronous satellites orbit at 22,300 miles (36,000 km). Usually clickbait pop-astronomy articles are for a tiny asteroid coming within a million miles (aka 999,000 miles) of Earth, but not stating that the moon is much bigger and much closer. Coming closer than geostationary satellites is no…

Is there any potential for the asteriod to hit any geostationary satellites?
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