Asteroid strikes are a threat, but space-based telescopes would reduce risk

Asteroids could potentially cause substantial damage to the planet. Better observational data and analysis could help us to avert disastrous strikes

The aim of Asteroid Day is to inform the public and raise awareness about the possibility that asteroids can collide with the Earth in the future. Today was chosen to highlight the risk because on the same day in 1908, a 30m object entered the atmosphere over a forested region in Siberia and exploded in mid-air. The resulting shockwave and heat levelled the forest over an area larger than greater London.

Related: Brian May: Asteroid Day can help protect the planet