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Astronomy/Comet coming in 2017?
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Question
i have heard that in 2017 a comet is supposed to come to earth and kill us. Is this true or is this a rumor? thanks
From Paige C
Hello,
I haven't heard anything about any such comet. I am aware that an *asteroid* is supposed to make a very close pass to Earth in 2027 and it has a 1% or so chance of collision. They will need to get closer to the time, year to work out if that sticks. No one seems sure now, since the asteroid is to make an earlier pass as well, which may alter its orbital path arond the Sun - to either a closer or further pass to Earth.
Note: even if a comet or asteroid collided with Earth, it is extremely doubtful it would "kill us all". To do that, an asteroid would have to be nearly 5 miles across, and a comet would require a nucleus of hard rock at least as large.
So I wouldn't lose any sleep.
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Answers by Expert:
Philip Stahl
Expertise
I have forty years of experience in Astronomy, specifically solar and space physics. My specialties include the physics of solar flares, sunspots, including their effects on Earth and statistics as applied to astronomical investigations.
Experience
Astronomy: more than forty years experience starting with construction of my own simple telescopes. Worked at university observatory in college, doing astrographic measurements. M.Phil. degree in Physics/Solar Physics and more than ten years as researcher.
Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar Physics and Dynamical Astronomy divisions), American Mathematical Society, American Geophysical Union
Publications
Solar Physics (journal), The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, The Proceedings of the Meudon Solar Flare Workshop (1986), The Proceedings of the Caribbean Physics Conference (1985). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.
Education/Credentials
B.A. Astronomy, M. Phil. Physics
Awards and Honors
American Astronomical Society Studentship Award (1984), Barbados Government Award for Solar Research
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