The techniques used to target the asteroids could also be employed in tracking hazardous asteroids and interstellar objects.
By transforming idle heliostats into asteroid detectors, scientists aim to develop a cost-effective method for spotting faint, fast-moving space rocks.
NASA currently leads the nation's planetary defense efforts, but some are calling for the Space Force to take control.
Scientists have examined the interstellar invader 3I/ATLAS, finding evidence that it is packed with water that could be older than the solar system.
The 2024 YR4 asteroid may come close to Earth, but how do experts calculate this potential impact?
The long-serving space telescope saw the third interloper to enter the solar system from beyond its limits late on Monday morning (July 21).
"Can humanity enjoy the benefits of both asteroid and lunar mining without compromise, or do we have to choose one at the expense of the other?"
Earth may be safe from an impact by the asteroid 2024 YR4, but it still has a chance of striking the moon. This lunar impact could pose a risk to space tech and astronauts.
3I/ATLAS isn't just fascinating because it is the third interstellar visitor found in the solar system; new research suggests it's also the oldest comet ever seen, at over 7 billion years old.
"You can think of it as a cosmic pool game. We might miss the pocket if we don't consider all the variables."
