There is a 1 in 3,200 chance of getting hit by space junk now hurtling toward Earth this week. The falling satellite, UARS, is the size of a school bus, and will likely hit Earth on Friday (give or take a day) - somewhere between the northern Newfoundland and southern South America latitudes. Or more precisely, but less dramatically, between 57 degrees N and 57 degrees South, and thus could hit just about anywhere around the fattest part of the planet. While it is expected to break into pieces in a fiery light show, and rain across a path of up to 500 miles, with the largest debris estimated at about 300 pounds.
Scientists say it is not likely to hit a person. The planet is well-covered with water, and even on land, we are relatively sparsely populated, except in places like New York City and Dhaka. In order to take appropriate precautions, I will be walking around in my bike helmet starting Thursday at noon.
Scientists say it is not likely to hit a person. The planet is well-covered with water, and even on land, we are relatively sparsely populated, except in places like New York City and Dhaka. In order to take appropriate precautions, I will be walking around in my bike helmet starting Thursday at noon.
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