JAKARTA – Near Miss Day is celebrated on March 23 every year. What would you do if a large asteroid were to crash into planet Earth?
On March 23, 1989, an asteroid the size of a mountain nearly collided with Earth. Thankfully, that was close! Otherwise, the collision effect would be devastating.
People around the world celebrate this day to be thankful that asteroids didn’t wipe us out!
According to scientists and astronomers, many meteoroids and asteroids have passed by Earth since 1989. However, the probability of an asteroid hitting Earth is not high. That’s a relief!
History of Near Miss Day
Ever wondered what an asteroid is? Asteroids are rocks that formed after the formation of our solar system — they are the leftovers of massive processes. Asclepius is an asteroid with a diameter of 0.431 kilometers, comparable to the size of a football field.
On March 22, 1989, Asclepius passed Earth by nearly 500,000 miles. However, scientists discovered this only after nine days.
Many geophysicists believe that Asclepius’ collision with Earth would be disastrous, resulting in the release of energy comparable to a 600 megaton atomic bomb!
The reason why this day is so important is because Earth has barely escaped from the apocalypse. We all get a second chance at life. This event changed our perspective on cosmic influences — it made us realize that humanity has absolutely no control over the universe.
Since that day, there have been further changes in the space program. The mission is set and the shuttle is sent to a nearby planet to study life there.
Near Miss Day also reminds us that asteroids and meteors can cause the extinction of Earth and humanity.
Near Miss Day Timeline
1. March 22, 1989 4581 Asclepius Passes
The asteroid Asclepius passes Earth at a distance of nearly 500,000 miles.
2. March 31, 1989 Scientists Discover Asteroids
American astronomers Henry Holt and Norman Thomas discovered that Asclepius had passed by Earth.
4. August, 1989 Scientists Find Another Asteroid
Scientists have discovered a third asteroid that will almost hit Earth again, though the odds are slim.
5. In 1990 Scientists Discovered the Size of 4581 Asclepius
A year after Asclepius’ discovery, scientists confirmed its diameter to be between 300 m and 800 m.
