Risk is Growing that Earth Could be hit by an Asteroid, Czech Astronomers Warn

By KM Diaz, | June 07, 2017

Czech astronomers warned on Tuesday that risk is growing that the earth could be hit by an asteroid from a meteor stream, Taurids. (YouTube)

Czech astronomers warned on Tuesday that risk is growing that the earth could be hit by an asteroid from a meteor stream, Taurids. (YouTube)

Czech astronomers warned on Tuesday that risk is growing that the earth could be hit by an asteroid from a meteor stream, Taurids.

Astronomers from the Czech Academy of Sciences observed the 144 bolides from the Taurids and have detected a new branch. The team worked alongside researchers from Slovakia and Austria to be able to compile a study.

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The new asteroids called 2005 UR and 2015 TX24 are now members of the previously undiscovered new branch, and are on the list of the International Astronomical Union as "potentially hazardous" asteroids that measures 200-300 meters in diameter.

The Earth moves within the Taurids, during the late October or early November that results in the Taurids meteor shower. The new branch discovered by the Czech astronomers is made up of several objects that move collectively around the sun, and it is part of the Southern Taurids. The Earth is being exposed to a new branch for approximately three weeks, every few years. 

The Czech Academy said in a press release that the branch might have many undetected asteroids, larger than meters in diameter.The probability of Earth colliding with a larger object is markedly higher.

Though these asteroids are fragile, the chance of hitting the Earth is possible as they are large and could enter deep into the atmosphere to pose a serious threat. The risk increases since asteroid grows every few years, in which Earth likely meets the new branch, according to the Czech Academy.

The finding urges further research to have a better representation regarding the real source of potentially hazardous objects large that can cause either local or continental impact.

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