SUPER RP06
12-24-2004, 06:21 PM
Mark your calendars!
Friday, April 13, 2029
Asteroid could hit Earth!
Asteroid Given Highest Potential Impact Rating So Far
Experts Say Mathematical Chances It Will Hit Are Small
POSTED: 5:09 pm EST December 23, 2004
UPDATED: 5:56 pm EST December 23, 2004
LOS ANGELES -- Scientists say you shouldn't worry, but there is a small chance that an asteroid could hit Earth 25 years from now.
The asteroid is about the length of four football fields and has just received a rating of "two" on a 10-point scale that predicts impact.
Until now, no asteroid has received a rating higher than one.
But scientists stressed that more data could easily downgrade that rating. Overall, they said it is unlikely that the asteroid could hit.
If it does crash into Earth, though, the impact would be serious -- potentially creating a tsunami in the ocean or heavy damage on the ground.
But, scientists insisted the mathematical chances it will hit are small.
One said the odds are 300-in-1 against it.
The superstitious may find reason to fear.
If the asteroid hits, it would be on April 13, 2029 -- a Friday, the 13th.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Friday, April 13, 2029
Asteroid could hit Earth!
Asteroid Given Highest Potential Impact Rating So Far
Experts Say Mathematical Chances It Will Hit Are Small
POSTED: 5:09 pm EST December 23, 2004
UPDATED: 5:56 pm EST December 23, 2004
LOS ANGELES -- Scientists say you shouldn't worry, but there is a small chance that an asteroid could hit Earth 25 years from now.
The asteroid is about the length of four football fields and has just received a rating of "two" on a 10-point scale that predicts impact.
Until now, no asteroid has received a rating higher than one.
But scientists stressed that more data could easily downgrade that rating. Overall, they said it is unlikely that the asteroid could hit.
If it does crash into Earth, though, the impact would be serious -- potentially creating a tsunami in the ocean or heavy damage on the ground.
But, scientists insisted the mathematical chances it will hit are small.
One said the odds are 300-in-1 against it.
The superstitious may find reason to fear.
If the asteroid hits, it would be on April 13, 2029 -- a Friday, the 13th.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.