Shhh! Possible Cool News From Mars

Asteroid on track for possible Mars hit, LA Times

“An asteroid similar to the one that flattened forests in Siberia in 1908 could plow into Mars next month, scientists said today. Researchers attached to NASA’s Near-Earth Objects Program, who sometimes jokingly call themselves the Solar System Defense Team, have been tracking the asteroid since its discovery in late November. The scientists, based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Caada Flintridge, put the chances that it will hit the Red Planet on Jan. 30 at about 1 in 75.”

Editor’s note: Oddly enough, there is no mention of this potentially excting event on NASA JPL’s Near Earth Object Program website or on JPL’s news page. Nor is there any mention at NASA HQ’s SMD page.

Editor’s update: Someone just sent me this link that they found at JPL showing the orbit of asteroid 2007 WD5.