Asteroid Bennu: A Potential Threat to Earth
A NASA Spacecraft is Studying the Asteroid to Determine its Impact Risk
Asteroid Bennu is one of the most hazardous known asteroids in our solar system. It is about the size of a small town and has a 1-in-2,700 chance of impacting Earth in the late 21st century.
NASA is currently studying Bennu with the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. The spacecraft arrived at Bennu in December 2018 and will spend two years studying the asteroid's composition, structure, and trajectory. OSIRIS-REx will also collect a sample of Bennu's surface, which will be returned to Earth in 2023.
The data collected by OSIRIS-REx will help scientists to determine the risk of Bennu impacting Earth. If Bennu is found to be a significant threat, NASA may develop a plan to deflect the asteroid.
Conclusion
Asteroid Bennu is a reminder that Earth is not immune to asteroid impacts. While the risk of Bennu impacting Earth is relatively low, it is still a real possibility. NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is an important step in understanding the risks posed by asteroids and developing strategies to protect Earth from their impact.
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