Close Encounters: A History of Asteroids Almost Destroying Earth

According to NASA, every 37,000 years or so, our dear planet Earth is in serious danger of being stuck by a large asteroid (one measuring over 250 meters). The average life expectancy for most people sits at 78 years according to 2011 preliminary figures from the Centers for Disease Control. If the statistics say we can live 474 lifetimes before ever encountering an asteroid attack, there's no reason to worry, right? Not exactly. Seeing as how a majority of our closest encounters happened over the past few decades many are beginning to question how much longer can Earth continue to avoid cosmic disaster.

Last week's asteroid scare serves as a reminder of how close our planet can become to being hit by a impactful space rock. But if the past has proven anything, it's that the odds have served in humanity's favor. So as you aim your telescope towards the sky, we recommend pointing your peepers to the screen and catch up on A History of Asteroids Almost Destorying Earth.