An asteroid has been rated as a level four threat to the Earth on a scale out of 10. This marks the first time that an asteroid has been rated higher than 1. Currently, there is a 1 in 45 chance that this asteroid will collide with the Earth on Friday, April 13th, 2029.
The 4-10 rating on the Torino scale is defined as “a close encounter, with 1 percent or greater chance of a collision capable of causing regional devastation.”
If this asteroid does collide with the Earth, it will do so with the equivalent of 100,000 Hiroshima atomic bombs.
An Italian researcher admits to “our ignorance” on the actual orbit of this asteroid, and feels confident that the threat will drop to zero as this asteroid gets closer. The estimated chance of collision should change every time new measurements are taken.
According to Dr. Donald Yeomans, manager of NASA’s Near Earth Object Program, “We can’t yet rule out an Earth impact on 13 April, 2029.”
The asteroid is observable until the summer of 2005 and will be seen many times before 2029.
The Torino Scale, named after an Italian city, was devised in 1999. Since, the creator has proposed toning down the wording of the alerts after being upset at the media coverage of asteroid scares. For example, level one is currently worded as ‘requiring careful monitoring.’ Most asteroids are initially classified as level one.
Source: Scotsman.com – Friday 13, 2029 may be unlucky for the Earth
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