Solar system - Asteroids |

This shows an edge-on view of our solar system. The dots represent a snapshot of the population of NEAs and PHAs that scientists think are likely to exist based on the NEOWISE survey. Positions of a simulated population of PHAs on a typical day are shown in orange, and the simulated NEAs are blue. Earth’s orbit is green. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech |
An asteroid collision with earth would affect climate negatively for years. It could kill hundreds or thousands more than any earthquake, tornado, tsunami, or nuclear fallout. So many have been cauterized with its ‘end-of-the-world’ effects on us, and with the highly slim chances of its occurrence, that few ever worry---at all.