Asteroid 2010 XC15, 150 m wide, will fly past Earth on December 27. It won't crash into the planet, but researchers
Scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) andNASA wants to study the 2010 XC15 space rock to test the readiness of earthlings to meet Apophis. This dangerous asteroid could collide with the planet in 2029. It is believed that on April 13, 2029, Apophis will be 10 times closer to Earth than the Moon.
Researchers use the HAARP array (Programhigh-frequency active aurora research) to fire 9.6 megahertz radio waves at asteroid 2010 XC15. HAARP is a publicly funded research program that typically studies the Earth's ionosphere. It is used for the first time to study an asteroid.
For the 2010 XC15 study, scientists are using waves at a much lower frequency than usual (9.6 MHz). This time they want not just to explore the surface of the asteroid, but to understand what is inside.
The information will provide details about the damage the asteroid could cause and help scientists develop an effective counter-strategy.
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