See also:

• Science: Astronomy: Solar System: Asteroids, Comets and Meteors  (178)

BBC News: Government Prepares for Space Impact - - The UK government is to establish a panel of experts to advise on the risk of the Earth being hit by an asteroid or comet, and plans for evacuation and/or deflection.

Impact - - Describes the threat of a comet impact with Earth and provides a plan of action to survive a large impact.

Impact Parameters - - Online calculator for cratering effects of hypothetical asteroid impacts.

Meteor Defense - - An argument for reducing global tension by developing a defense against impacts with Near Earth Objects.

The SpaceGuard UK Portal - - National focus in the UK for studies into the threat posed to the Earth by collisions with asteroids and comets.

China Daily: Dangerous Space Rocks Under Watch - - Astronomers say they are well on their way to finding every asteroid that poses a threat. (April 8, 2004)

Asteroid Scare Prompts NASA to Formalize Response - - An unprecedented asteroid scare in January 2004 has prompted NASA to set up a formal process for notifying top officials in the future of any impending impacts. (March 24, 2004)

CNN - Scientists Want to be Ready to Block Asteroid from Hitting Earth - - Scientists gather to discuss ways of aggressively defending the planet from an asteroid, including detonating nukes in space. (February 24, 2004)

United Press International - Finding Menacing Asteroids Is a First Step - - Article on a meeting of space experts regarding finding and destroying a potential threat from an asteroid. (February 24, 2004)

U.S. Summons Experts to Draft Asteroid Defense Plan - - A Cincinnati Post news story about a meeting called by the U.S. government on the chances of an asteroid strike and a possible defense for it. (June 7, 2002)