German schoolboy, 13, corrects NASA's asteroid figures.

[VengefulIcebox]

Corrected from 1 in 45,000 to 1 in 450 chances.
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Tue Apr 15, 5:43 PM ET

BERLIN (AFP) - A 13-year-old German schoolboy corrected NASA's estimates on the chances of an asteroid colliding with Earth, a German newspaper reported Tuesday, after spotting the boffins had miscalculated.
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If the asteroid strikes a satellite in 2029, that will change its trajectory making it hit earth on its next orbit in 2036.
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The shockwaves from that would create huge tsunami waves, destroying both coastlines and inland areas, whilst creating a thick cloud of dust that would darken the skies indefinitely.

Link to Yahoo News


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Get a cool beachtowel and a surfboard for 2036. Could be a good show along the Atlantic coast.

[CloakAndDagger]

The numbers are a little misleading, the 1:450 chance is only if it strikes some satellite perfectly. The chances of such a satellite strike are pretty low, and with all the other possible orientations of satellite impact, it's at least as likely that any such collision would move the asteroid further away from the kill box.

Also, the asteroid could hit a satellite at the right angle and the satellite might be too small, or the asteroid could just cruise right through.

In summary, there are better reasons to stock up on canned goods, ammo, etc. than this.

[dirty1]

In summary, there are better reasons to stock up on canned goods, ammo, etc. than this.

Exactly. I do it because it's Wednesday

[Rangerguru]

In summary, there are better reasons to stock up on canned goods, ammo, etc. than this.

Exactly. I do it because it's Wednesday

Oh shit, I forgot it was Wednesday, I better call the wife and send her to the surplus store.

[Silverback]

In summary, there are better reasons to stock up on canned goods, ammo, etc. than this.

Exactly. I do it because it's Wednesday

it's Wednesday??? It feels like Tuesday!

[German233]

Damned ! ..................I guess I shoulda claimed him back then

[Chiron]

So when are we starting the bets on if we're doomed or not...

[Charlie 51]

The numbers are a little misleading, the 1:450 chance is only if it strikes some satellite perfectly. The chances of such a satellite strike are pretty low, and with all the other possible orientations of satellite impact, it's at least as likely that any such collision would move the asteroid further away from the kill box.

Also, the asteroid could hit a satellite at the right angle and the satellite might be too small, or the asteroid could just cruise right through.

In summary, there are better reasons to stock up on canned goods, ammo, etc. than this.

You don't need canned goods if you have ammo

with ammo you can get canned goods

[Steadfast]

Damn, I hope this event doesn't mess up my grave site.