Planetary Defense

• Science: Astronomy: Solar System: Small Bodies  (151)

BBC News: Government Prepares for Space Impact - The UK government is to establish a panel of experts to advise on the risk of the Earth being hit by an asteroid or comet, and plans for evacuation and/or deflection.

Impact - Describes the threat of a comet impact with Earth and provides a plan of action to survive a large impact.

Impact Parameters - Online calculator for cratering effects of hypothetical asteroid impacts.

Meteor Defense - An argument for reducing global tension by developing a defense against impacts with Near Earth Objects.

The SpaceGuard UK Portal - National focus in the UK for studies into the threat posed to the Earth by collisions with asteroids and comets.

China Daily: Dangerous Space Rocks Under Watch - Astronomers say they are well on their way to finding every asteroid that poses a threat. (April 8, 2004)

Asteroid Scare Prompts NASA to Formalize Response - An unprecedented asteroid scare in January 2004 has prompted NASA to set up a formal process for notifying top officials in the future of any impending impacts. (March 24, 2004)

CNN - Scientists Want to be Ready to Block Asteroid from Hitting Earth - Scientists gather to discuss ways of aggressively defending the planet from an asteroid, including detonating nukes in space. (February 24, 2004)

U.S. Summons Experts to Draft Asteroid Defense Plan - A Cincinnati Post news story about a meeting called by the U.S. government on the chances of an asteroid strike and a possible defense for it. (June 7, 2002)