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Asteroid

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Asteroid Approaching the Earth Could be Worth Billions

Some say the rock could contain $130 billion in metals.

  An asteroid the size of a cruise ship — 2012 DA14 — that will bypass our planet Friday could be worth almost $200 billion, according to prospective asteroid miners. In relative space distances, the asteroid is cutting it close to Earth — 17,200 miles, or 15 minutes, from our planet. But miners say the asteroid's orbit makes it too difficult to chase down, according to a report posted by Fox News.   Officials with Deep Space Industries, a company that plans to mine asteroids for gold, platinum and other minerals, say the rock could contain $65 billion of recoverable water and $130 billion in metals. What do you think about asteroid mining ventures — is there gold in them thar rocks? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.  You …

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Like Cruise Ships Passing in the Night--Asteroid Bypasses the Earth

Discovery News says this particular asteroid won't hit Earth, but humans will see a large asteroid hit the planet.

  Things in space can get far out — literally. But sometimes things get a little too close for comfort.  Thank goodness that's not the case with an asteroid the size of a cruise ship — 2012 DA14 — that Discovery News reports will safely bypass Earth on Feb. 15. But, and there IS a but ... in relative space distances, the asteroid is cutting it close — 17,200 miles from our planet or 1/13th the distance from the Earth to the moon, according to the report.  The asteroid is coming close enough that Earth's gravitational pull will affect its orbit around the sun, shortening it from 368 days to 317.   If something the size of Asteroid 2012 DA14 did hit Earth, it would cause crippling damage on a local scale. According to the report, it is …

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