IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT

A step-by-step guide to what happens if an asteroid is hurtling towards Earth

1 Potential hazard is spotted

Survey telescopes constantly scan the sky for new nearEarth objects. When confirmed, they’re added to the list for monitoring, and if they’re close to Earth they get priority for closer inspection.

2 Data shared for predictions

If one of the flagged asteroids appears to be on course to strike, information is shared with other observatories and space agencies around the world so that they can compare data.

3 Government and rescue agencies are informed

We’d have about three weeks’ notice for a 40-metre asteroid. At this point, experts would inform government and rescue agencies so initial plans could be formulated.

4 Rescue plans and trajectory predictions made

While keeping it quiet from the public, initial safety plans would be put into place while the asteroid’s predicted trajectory is updated by observatories around the world.

5 The public are informed

If the data shows the asteroid is still on course to hit, governments in the affected areas would issue safety warnings and instructions for the public two weeks before a strike.

6

72 hours until impact

While rescue plans are still being finetuned, it’s likely that the government would either issue warnings to take shelter for a smaller strike, or evacuate in the case of a bigger impact.