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Post by Urban Warrior on Feb 28, 2007 8:14:55 GMT
The United Nations will shortly be asked to take on a new and unfamiliar mission - to save the Earth not from drought, war or disease, but from the cataclysm that could occur after a direct hit by an asteroid.
A group of former astronauts and cosmonauts is warning that at least one asteroid is on a path that could see it collide with our planet in 2036. They say work should begin on considering a strategy to protect humankind from this and other asteroids.Specifically, members of the Association of Space Explorers are planning meetings over the next two years - to be attended by diplomats, astronomers, astronauts and engineers - to draft an international treaty to address the threat. It will be presented to the UN for adoption in 2009."You have to act when things look like they are going to happen. If you wait until you know for certain, it's too late," Russell Schweickart, an Apollo 9 astronaut, told the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Francisco. "We believe there needs to be a decision process spelled out and adopted by the UN."
Congress recently instructed Nasa to increase its efforts to identify asteroids that could threaten Earth. The agency is monitoring the paths of 127 "near-Earth objects" that may strike the planet.An asteroid named Apophis risks passing very close to Earth on 13 April, 2036. Astronomers warn there is a one in 45,000 chance of a direct hit. Its impact would wipe out an area the size of England.
Source: Independent
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Post by luisa on Apr 11, 2007 21:47:35 GMT
oh my word thise is worrying how would i go about reserchin this uw
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Post by cerridwen on Apr 12, 2007 8:46:42 GMT
Lets hope they can do something. (For our children's sake)
Cat
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Post by Urban Warrior on Apr 12, 2007 19:49:08 GMT
oh my word thise is worrying how would i go about reserchin this uw Im not sure babe, just keep an eye out on the Nasa and science sites....
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Post by luisa on Apr 12, 2007 20:39:47 GMT
thanks uw :(see this is one of those things that dont bother a lot of people as in 29 years they wont be here but i will only be 58 and my children in there 30s so yes i do worry about things like this x
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Post by cerridwen on Apr 12, 2007 20:49:42 GMT
I'll probably still be around as well.. (Hopefully)
(No snide remarks either LUISA)
Cat xx
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Post by luisa on Apr 12, 2007 21:00:32 GMT
yes a young 77 though mother
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