A faint streak of light recorded in 1955 has calmed fears about a
catastrophic asteroid impact. After learning of the possible threat to Earth
posed by asteroid 1999 AN10
(This Week, 5 June, p 5), two German amateur
astronomers, Arno Gnädig and Andreas Doppler, calculated where it should
have been during the 1955 Palomar sky survey. They then spotted it on a
digitised image. From this information, Gareth Williams and Brian Marsden of the
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts, refined
their calculations of the asteroid’s orbit. “We’re safe until sometime after
2076,” says Marsden.
More from 91av
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Mind
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
News
Technology
Killer robots are here – we must finally decide whether to accept them
Leader
Technology
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy
News
Mind
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
Comment
Popular articles
Trending 91av articles
1
Wolves seen hunting European bison in rare camera-trap recording
2
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
3
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping
4
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
5
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
6
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
7
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
8
Pancreatic cancer halted by virus injection in three patients
9
Striking photos show how sands are encroaching on oases in the Sahara
10
Space storms could switch train signals and cause serious accidents
