'1 in 300,000 chance': New equation could be Earth’s last defence against killer asteroids

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

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Asteroid Threat

NASA warns of a 1 in 300,000 chance of a killer asteroid striking Earth yearly. Scientists are racing to find solutions before this sci-fi scenario turns into reality.

Gravity’s Secret

Professor Oscar Novillo’s groundbreaking equation uses gravitational light bending to locate potentially hazardous asteroids with unprecedented accuracy, offering hope for planetary defense.

Minor Objects

From the Kuiper Belt to the Oort Cloud, Novillo’s method pinpoints asteroids hidden in the solar system’s farthest reaches, bringing dangerous space rocks into sharper focus.

Einstein’s Legacy

Building on Einstein’s theory of general relativity, Novillo's formula calculates gravitational deflection to predict asteroid paths more accurately than ever before.

Collision Course

With asteroids like Bennu and 1950 DA already identified as threats, Novillo’s research ensures faster warnings and better defenses against catastrophic impacts.

DART Success

NASA's DART mission demonstrated asteroid deflection by altering Dimorphos’ orbit. This breakthrough proves we can shift asteroid trajectories—if we have enough time to act.

Proxima Centauri

Novillo’s equation isn’t just for defense—it could pinpoint Proxima Centauri’s location, helping scientists study its exoplanets and their potential habitability.

Cosmic Maps

The Euclid mission, combined with Novillo’s research, may produce the most precise 3D map of the universe yet, illuminating how dark matter and energy shape galaxies.

Future Defense

Novillo’s discovery enhances our ability to locate hazardous asteroids early, buying humanity precious time to prepare defenses and ensure Earth’s survival.