A SURPRISE asteroid attack could destroy “multiple nations or the entire planet” unless world leaders unite and act according to a former presidential advisor and NASA consultant.
This means that a slight change of course could have had a direct impact on Earth, potentially destroying an area the size of the state of Delaware.
Writing in The Hill Mr. McKinnon said: “Thanks to the collective failure of our world leaders, our only defense today against this event is luck.
“On this issue, every leader around the world is in total negligence of duty to the people they intend to lead.” For reasons of politics, ignorance or indifference, they are deliberately turning a blind eye to a more critical threat, perhaps, than they are. any other face on the planet. "
"Soon our luck may end and the earth will be shaken to its core" (Image: GETTY)
Scientists could not detect 2019 OK until it was close to Earth, perhaps because the sun obscured the view.
According to Mr. McKinnon, NASA has a history of failure to detect asteroids less than 500 feet long.
He claims that one of them could "destroy a city, a region or a small country and kill millions in the process."
The former presidential adviser commented: “So far, only the fickle whims of the universe have prevented the unimaginable.
In 2013, a large asteroid collided with Siberia and injured up to 1,000 people (Image: GETTY)
“But soon our luck may run out and the earth will be shaken to its core.
“President Trump and all world leaders must immediately focus on solutions.
“First, they must agree on the best way to detect and divert asteroids on a direct path to Earth.
"Anything less remains an abject failure and leaves all of humanity at risk."
McKinnon added that an expansion of the US space program could also help address the threat.
GOD OF CHAOS
NASA has already begun preparations for the arrival of asteroid 99942 Apophis – nicknamed asteroid 'God of Chaos' – which will land in 10 years. The asteroid measures 340 meters in diameter and passes only 19,000 miles from Earth's surface. Apophis is one of the largest asteroids to pass so close to Earth's surface and a collision with the planet has the potential to be devastating for life on Earth.
The asteroid is confirmed to be closer to Earth than the orbiting communication and weather satellites. Most satellites in Earth's orbit are geostationary orbit 36,000 km away from the planet.
Apophis is traveling at almost 25,000 km / h, which means that a slight deviation from its trajectory can be catastrophic.
Apophis's size and proximity to Earth have resulted in being categorized as a Potentially Dangerous Asteroid (PHA) and NASA is interested in learning as much as possible from the asteroid to help prevent future asteroid problems in the future.
NASA scientists are aware that as the asteroid flies across the planet in 2029, its orbital trajectory could also change, raising fears that in the future massive rock could collide with the planet.
The rock is expected to shine exceptionally bright in the sky and increase speed as it flies across the sky in 2029.
It will travel so fast that it will cross the width of the moon in a minute and be as bright as stars in the night sky.
According to some researchers, the huge size of the rock is not of concern, as there is a 1 to 100,000 chance that the asteroid will hit Earth.
NASA began preparing to study the rock as it flew across Earth and insisted that it would be a great opportunity for the world to learn more about similar asteroids.
NASA Radar scientist Marina Brozovic said: "The approach of Apophis in 2029 will be an incredible opportunity for science."
Astronomer Davide Farnocchia added: “We already know that the close encounter with Earth will change the orbit of Apophis.
"But our models also show that the approach can change the way this asteroid rotates and there may be some surface changes, like small avalanches."
The path of the asteroid that passes through the planet has also been estimated by scientists.
It will be visible to the naked eye for the first time when it reaches the southern hemisphere night sky across the east coast to the west coast of Australia.
Will continue to travel the world, will cross the Indian Ocean en route to the USA.
Your nearest approach will be over the Atlantic Ocean as the night comes to the US.
Due to the immense speed, the asteroid is traveling and will cross the ocean in an hour and will continue to fly into space.
Paul Chodas, director of CNEOS, added: “Apophis is a representative of about 2,000 potentially dangerous asteroids currently known.
"By observing Apophis during its 2029 flyover, we will gain important scientific knowledge that could one day be used for planetary defense."
Scientists named Rock Adopts after the Egyptian God of Chaos, also known as Apep.