According to reports Sir Arthur C Clarke, erstwhile Sci-Fi author and all-round boffin on all things extra-terrestrial, has identified a possible date for the end of the world.
It seems that amongst the NEOs (Near Earth Objects) located in or about our solar system, one in particular has potential for catastrophic impact on the planet. Until recently it was suggested that a body of matter at least half a kilometre across would be required to cause such concern. Clarke and his colleagues have revised this estimate and are now seeking objects from as little as 110 metres across on their long-range telescopes.
Movies such as
Deep Impact and
Armageddon have lead us to believe that even if such an interstellar interloper should approach our orbit any number of man-made interceptions are possible. Down here on the planet though it's a rather more complex conundrum. The favourite option amongst we plebs is to zap these critters with nuclear warheads. Clarke points out that whilst this might seriously disturb a decent size NEO, the likely result would be any number of medium-sized rocks plunging through the stratosphere to wreak equally terminal damage.
Clarke coined the phrase ‘Spaceguard’ in the 1970’s in his book
‘Rendezvous with Rama’, a tale of 2110 Earth facing terminal impact from an errant space-rock.
Spaceguard has developed into a global early warning system for NEOs with Clarke at the epicentre in Sri Lanka. Stations operate all over the world, with the UK link at
Powys open to visitors.
Clarke’s recent reports indicate a possible ‘event of global significance’ may well occur in 2029. He contests the only reasonable course of action would be to send up a ‘Space Tug’ to move alongside the object and ‘gently nudge’ it away from Earths’ orbit, very much as an ocean-going unit operates in bringing container ships into port, but with opposing results. It remains to be seen if NASA, who launched and maintain the Spaceguard project, take this on board to the extent of constructing such a vessel.
It’s hardly cause for worldwide panic, but perhaps worth keeping an eye on.
