What is the probability of a devastating asteroid colliding with the Earth on September 9th?

He misses less and less for him September 9th, the date on which the asteroid 2006 QV89 It will approach the Earth at about 44,000 kilometers at the time. The moment the object will be closer to our planet and could have an impact on him It will be five-thirty in the morning. For this reason, the scientific community has followed its movements closely for years and badyzes the variations of its trajectory. But what are the real probabilities of reaching us and what would happen if I did?

To begin, it should be noted that although its diameter of 40 meters may seem insignificant, it is its incredible acceleration that, according to specialists, could cause damage. similar to the meteorite fallen in Tunguska in Siberiain 1908, which devastated a region of 2,000 square kilometers.

As for the probability that 2006 QV89 directly impacts our planet, researchers from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) said several months ago that the chances were low. 1 of 11 428. However, recent observations have provided new information in this regard.

According to calculations made by Davide Farnocchia of the Center for Near-Earth Objects Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, "All the scenarios of impact for the next century have been eliminated". This badysis was made possible by observations made with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) located at Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

"This result is just an example of how Mauna Kea's telescopes protect the Earth by observing and studying asteroids entering the Earth's neighborhood," said Kelly Fast, head of the observational program. objects close to the Earth in the Office. of NASA's global defense coordination, which supported the observations.

According to the scientist, just as meteorologists use satellite images to track hurricanes and determine if they pose a danger, astronomers use telescopes to track asteroids near the Earth and determine if they pose a danger to the planet.

"We are relieved to have been able to catch the 2006 QV89 before closing the window, knowing that these types of objects can not always be easily observed "Fast explained, adding: "Now that we have been able to do it clearly, we are even more relieved to know that it will not have an impact on the Earth. "