This book describes the complexity of impact hazards associated with
asteroids and comets. The challenge in this regard lies in the
heterogeneous nature of these bodies that endanger our planet, which is
why we are conducting new experiments to better understand their unique
physicochemical properties. Several generations of astronomers have
tracked and mapped the orbits of asteroids and comets over the past few
centuries, and telescopic surveys have only begun to discover "new"
interstellar objects. In addition, cutting-edge software allow our
computers to combine the orbits of these elusive bodies to study how
they evolve over time and seek to match asteroid complexes as fragments
of asteroidal and cometary disruptions.
Impact hazards represent one of the greatest threats to the survival of
human beings in the medium term. Geological studies show that the
stratigraphic record holds clear geological evidence of these rare but
transcendental encounters in the history of life on our planet. The
study and quantification of past catastrophes can give us clues to face
future challenges in the form of potential impacts.
Further, it would be illogical to assume that Earth's interaction with
space is limited to major impacts. Every night, Earth is struck by
millions of particles, and dozens of meteor showers occur around the
globe every year. The study of lake and ocean sediments reveals the
magnitude of the continuous contribution of interplanetary matter
reaching Earth: roughly 100,000 tons per year.
Accordingly, the goal of this book is to underscore the need for
society-wide awareness of the dangers associated with asteroid and comet
impacts, on the basis of scientific evidence and with no intention of
sparking alarmism. After all, we ourselves may only be the fruit of an
opportunity given to mammals sixty-five million years ago to evolve
after the conflagration that would be the downfall of the dinosaurs. If
we have learned to read Earth's geological history, we should consider
ourselves a very fortunate species, and its teachings should equip us to
face this problem.
The also book emphasizes the role of space missions to gain insights on
these bodies, particularly describing the relevance of the DART (NASA)
and Hera (ESA) missions to deflect and study Dimorphos, respectively,
the small satellite of the Didymos binary asteroid.
