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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nugent, C. R., Andersen, K. P., Bauer, James M., Jensen, C. T., Kristiansen, L. K., Hansen, C. P., Nielsen, M. M., Vestergård, C. F.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.02418
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author Nugent, C. R.
Andersen, K. P.
Bauer, James M.
Jensen, C. T.
Kristiansen, L. K.
Hansen, C. P.
Nielsen, M. M.
Vestergård, C. F.
author_facet Nugent, C. R.
Andersen, K. P.
Bauer, James M.
Jensen, C. T.
Kristiansen, L. K.
Hansen, C. P.
Nielsen, M. M.
Vestergård, C. F.
contents Near-Earth objects (NEOs) have the potential to cause extensive damage and loss of life on Earth. Advancements in NEO discovery, trajectory prediction, and deflection technology indicate that an impact could be prevented, with sufficient warning time. We derive an impact frequency of NEOs 140m and larger, using the NEOMOD2 NEO population model and JPL Horizons. We then place that frequency in context with other preventable causes of death; allowing for comparison between a planet-wide event and individual events that cause fatalities such as car crashes and carbon monoxide poisoning. We find that the chance of a $>140$ m asteroid hitting the Earth is more likely than the chance of an individual being struck by lightning.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2508_02418
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Placing the Near-Earth Object Impact Probability in Context
Nugent, C. R.
Andersen, K. P.
Bauer, James M.
Jensen, C. T.
Kristiansen, L. K.
Hansen, C. P.
Nielsen, M. M.
Vestergård, C. F.
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Near-Earth objects (NEOs) have the potential to cause extensive damage and loss of life on Earth. Advancements in NEO discovery, trajectory prediction, and deflection technology indicate that an impact could be prevented, with sufficient warning time. We derive an impact frequency of NEOs 140m and larger, using the NEOMOD2 NEO population model and JPL Horizons. We then place that frequency in context with other preventable causes of death; allowing for comparison between a planet-wide event and individual events that cause fatalities such as car crashes and carbon monoxide poisoning. We find that the chance of a $>140$ m asteroid hitting the Earth is more likely than the chance of an individual being struck by lightning.
title Placing the Near-Earth Object Impact Probability in Context
topic Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.02418