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Artwork of asteroid on collision course with Earth
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Artwork of asteroid on collision course with Earth
Asteroid approaching Earth. Illustration of an asteroid (at lower centre) approaching Earth. Dust is streaming from the asteroids surface as it encounters the outer layers of the Earths atmosphere. Asteroids are minor planets which follow elliptical orbits around the Sun and have diameters which are typically less than 100 kilometres. There are thousands of asteroids in the solar system and they lie mainly between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter. About 50 bodies, known as the Apollo asteroids, have orbits which intersect with that of Earth. It is a statistical certainty that Earth will be struck by an asteroid at some point in the future
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Media ID 6426383
© ROGER HARRIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork depicts the imminent collision between an asteroid and our beloved planet Earth. At the lower center of the image, a formidable asteroid is seen hurtling towards our home in space. As it approaches, streams of dust emanate from its surface upon encountering the outer layers of Earth's atmosphere. Asteroids, these minor planets with elliptical orbits around the Sun, typically have diameters smaller than 100 kilometers. Thousands of them populate our solar system, primarily found between Mars and Jupiter's orbits. However, approximately 50 specific asteroids known as Apollo asteroids intersect with Earth's orbit. The illustration serves as a stark reminder that at some point in the future, it is statistically certain that our planet will be struck by one such celestial body. The sheer magnitude and potential consequences of this event are awe-inspiring. Through this mesmerizing piece of artistry created by Science Photo Library, we are prompted to contemplate humanity's place within the vast cosmos and reflect on both our vulnerability and resilience in facing cosmic threats. It symbolizes mankind's ongoing quest to understand cosmology while highlighting the importance of continued scientific exploration for safeguarding life on Earth.
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