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NASA Warns of 'City-Killer' Asteroid Blind Spot

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 18:46 GMT by IBTimes UK
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ITALY

Washington D.C. - NASA officials are increasingly vocal about a growing, yet largely hidden, threat to Earth: undetected asteroids large enough to devastate cities. While the agency has made strides in asteroid detection and deflection - most notably with the successful DART mission - a significant blind spot remains, potentially harboring 'city-killer' asteroids that approach from directions masked by the sun's glare. The concern isn't that Earth is definitely on a collision course, but that current surveillance systems may be failing to identify a substantial population of near-Earth objects (NEOs) until it's potentially too late.

The core of the problem lies in orbital mechanics and observational limitations. Dr. Jim Green, NASA's chief scientist, recently explained that a significant number of NEOs approach Earth from trajectories that place them in the sun's vicinity as viewed from our planet. "Imagine trying to spot a dark object right next to a brilliant light," he elaborated in a press briefing. "That's essentially the challenge we face. These asteroids are physically there, but the sun's intensity overwhelms our ability to detect them with current ground-based telescopes."

This isn't a new concern, but it's gaining urgency. Historically, asteroid tracking efforts have focused on objects approaching from the more easily observable planes of the solar system. However, simulations and advanced modeling suggest a considerable population of NEOs exists on orbits that bring them close to Earth - and the sun - from unfavorable angles. These objects, ranging in size from tens to hundreds of meters in diameter, pose a significant risk. An asteroid of even 100 meters could unleash devastation equivalent to several megatons of TNT, flattening a major metropolitan area and triggering regional ecological fallout.

NASA's response is multifaceted. Beyond refining existing techniques for analyzing telescope data and reducing background noise, the agency is prioritizing the development of new observational infrastructure. This includes space-based infrared telescopes, which aren't hindered by atmospheric distortion or sunlight interference. Several proposals are on the table, ranging from dedicated NEO survey missions to incorporating asteroid detection as a primary objective of future space telescopes. The Near-Earth Object Surveyor (NEO Surveyor) mission, slated for launch in the coming years, is a crucial component of this effort. Unlike ground-based systems, NEO Surveyor will operate from a position that allows it to scan for asteroids at all times, regardless of their proximity to the sun.

The 2022 success of the DART mission provides a crucial second pillar of defense. DART demonstrated the feasibility of kinetic impact - intentionally colliding a spacecraft with an asteroid to alter its trajectory. While DART targeted Dimorphos, a moonlet orbiting the asteroid Didymos, the technology and lessons learned are directly applicable to defending Earth from larger, potentially hazardous asteroids. However, officials emphasize that deflection is most effective with sufficient warning. A last-minute deflection attempt against a previously unknown 'city-killer' asteroid would be far more challenging and require significantly more energy.

"DART showed us how to deflect an asteroid," stated Dr. Elena Adams, a leading planetary defense scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. "Now we need to focus on finding them early enough to actually use that capability. Early detection buys us time - time to study the asteroid's composition, refine deflection strategies, and ensure a successful outcome."

But the problem isn't solely a technological one. NASA is actively advocating for increased international collaboration in asteroid detection and mitigation. Sharing data, coordinating observations, and pooling resources are essential to creating a truly comprehensive global defense system. The agency is also calling for sustained, long-term investment in planetary defense programs. While the DART mission was a significant achievement, it represents just one step in a much larger and ongoing endeavor.

The threat from undetected asteroids is a stark reminder of our planet's vulnerability. While the probability of a catastrophic impact in any given year remains relatively low, the potential consequences are so severe that even a small risk warrants serious attention and proactive measures. NASA's warnings aren't meant to incite panic, but to galvanize action - to ensure that we are prepared for the inevitable cosmic challenge that lies ahead.