The Solar System’s biggest asteroids have given us the cold shoulder so far since Chicxulub got rid of all the dinosaurs, thankfully. The 2023 JK asteroid will pass by Earth this Sunday, and once again, we need to thank God that the space rock doesn’t have our planet’s name written on it.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the asteroid in question is about the same size as 18 walruses. In other words, it would certainly leave some significant damage behind if it hits.
But surprisingly or not, the asteroid’s moniker is not the only controversial aspect of the space rock itself.
The ‘Doomsday’ asteroid?
This asteroid’s arrival also aligns with a date that was once associated with doomsday predictions by some Christians. While asteroid 2023 JK is the primary focus, several other space rocks have passed by in the preceding days, each with its own unique size comparison. However, it’s important to note that these flybys pose no urgent threat, as a smaller meteor and asteroid impacts typically burn up upon entering our atmosphere without causing significant damage.
As for the future, ongoing efforts by scientists, including NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission, aim to develop techniques to prevent potential asteroid collisions with our planet. While Earth is relatively safe from such catastrophic events, the same cannot be said for walruses. These Arctic creatures face substantial challenges due to climate change. Conservation initiatives, such as population censuses conducted using satellite imagery, contribute to better understanding and potentially safeguarding these species.
NASA’s recently made it possible to deflect an asteroid from its initial trajectory. This means that humanity won’t have to go back to the drawing board if a second Chicxulub impactor pays us a visit, as the asteroid deflection method should do the trick just fine.
