NASA asteroid collision warning?

In summary, 2018 LF16 is a near-Earth asteroid with an estimated size of 213 m (699 ft). While there have been exaggerated claims about its potential danger, its current orbit does not pose a threat to Earth. Its observation arc is limited, leading to large uncertainties in its future trajectory. However, based on the most up-to-date information from NASA and JPL, the asteroid has a very low risk of colliding with Earth. It is ranked 7862nd on the Near-Earth Asteroid Tisserand Parameters list. It is important to be cautious when reading sensationalized news articles and to rely on reliable sources for accurate information.
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jim mcnamara
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Yup. Newspapers have it. Again. Note the example "news" article with a very tiny disclaimer.
Here are wikipedia's take, some NASA information, and a news article. They are all links and therefore are transient and could change.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_LF16

2018 LF16 is a near Earth asteroid, discovered on June 14, 2018. Its estimate size of 213 m (699 ft) would make it extremely destructive if it collided with the earth.

In November 2018, news articles reported an exaggerated claim of 62 potentially dangerous Earth crossings in the next century; however, its observation arc extends only 2 days, leaving large uncertainties in its prediction motion.

Its current best orbital parameters leaves it entirely outside of the Earth's orbit, and there are no predicted encounters that would change its orbit in the near future.

It is placed 7862th on Near-Earth Asteroid Tisserand Parameters list.

https://echo.jpl.nasa.gov/~lance/tisserand.html
Code:
                                           PROVISIONAL  TISSERAND   
RANK  PERCENTILE ASTEROID NAME             DESIGNATION  PARAMETER   H (mag) a (AU)   e     i (deg) Q (AU) q (AU)
====  ========== =============             ===========  =========   ======= ======   =     ======= ====== ======
...
...
 7861   58.53                                2016 CG29    3.751      21.3     1.861  0.406   29.1    2.617   1.105
 7862   58.53                                2018 LF16    3.751      20.3     1.943  0.409   15.8    2.738   1.148
 7863   58.52                                2013 DG1     3.751      26.2     1.913  0.497   11.4    2.864   0.962

Orbital elements:
https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=3825519

Shows a nice graphic and after a flashy collision disaster headline,
there is tiny disclaimer to the effect that the collision risk is very low:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/scie...rning-Earth-collision-risk-2023-Asteroid-LF16
 
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Thank you for bringing up this topic. I want to make sure that accurate information is being shared and understood by the public. It is true that there have been exaggerated claims about the potential danger of asteroid 2018 LF16. While it is classified as a near-Earth asteroid, its current orbit does not pose a threat to our planet.

I would like to clarify that the 62 potentially dangerous Earth crossings mentioned in the news articles are based on a very limited observation arc of only 2 days. This means that the asteroid's future trajectory is still uncertain and could change significantly as more data is gathered.

Furthermore, the NASA and JPL websites provide the most up-to-date and accurate information about the orbital parameters of 2018 LF16. According to these sources, the asteroid is currently ranked 7862nd on the Near-Earth Asteroid Tisserand Parameters list, indicating a very low risk of collision with Earth.

I urge everyone to be cautious when reading sensationalized news articles and to always check reliable sources for accurate information. While it is important to stay informed about potential threats, it is equally important to understand the level of risk associated with them. Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter.
 

1. What is NASA's asteroid collision warning system?

NASA's asteroid collision warning system is a program that monitors and tracks near-Earth objects (NEOs) that have the potential to collide with our planet. It uses various tools and technologies, such as ground-based telescopes and space-based observatories, to detect and characterize these objects.

2. How does NASA predict potential asteroid impacts?

NASA uses a combination of observations, mathematical calculations, and computer simulations to predict potential asteroid impacts. The first step is to detect and track the object's trajectory using telescopes and radar. Then, scientists use this data to calculate the object's orbit and determine if it poses a potential impact threat to Earth.

3. What is the process if NASA detects an asteroid on a collision course with Earth?

If NASA detects an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, they will first confirm the data and assess the potential risk. If the asteroid poses a significant threat, NASA will work with international partners to develop a plan to deflect or destroy the object before it reaches Earth.

4. How accurate is NASA's asteroid collision warning system?

NASA's asteroid collision warning system is continuously improving, but it is estimated to be accurate within a few hundred meters. This level of accuracy is sufficient for determining if an asteroid poses a potential impact threat to Earth and allows scientists to plan and prepare accordingly.

5. Has NASA ever detected an asteroid on a collision course with Earth?

Yes, NASA has detected and tracked many near-Earth objects that have come close to our planet, but none have posed a significant impact threat. However, NASA continues to monitor and track all potential impact risks and is prepared to take action if necessary.

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