A "very close" asteroid pass is when an asteroid will come within a certain distance of Earth, typically within a few thousand kilometers. This distance is considered close in astronomical terms and can pose a potential threat to Earth if the asteroid were to collide.
Asteroid passes can occur quite frequently, but "very close" passes are less common. The frequency depends on the size and trajectory of the asteroid, but on average, a "very close" pass may occur every few years.
The main risk of a "very close" asteroid pass is the possibility of a collision with Earth. If the asteroid is large enough, it could cause significant damage and potentially even lead to mass extinction events. However, the likelihood of a collision is very low and scientists are constantly monitoring and tracking asteroids to assess potential risks.
Yes, scientists use advanced telescopes and technology to track and predict the trajectory of asteroids. This allows us to determine if an asteroid will make a "very close" pass to Earth and when it will occur. However, predicting the exact timing and location of a potential collision is more difficult.
There are various methods that have been proposed to prevent or mitigate the effects of a potential asteroid collision. These include deflecting the asteroid's trajectory with a spacecraft, using nuclear explosions to break up the asteroid, or even painting the asteroid's surface to change its reflectivity and alter its trajectory. However, these methods are still in the research and development stage and may not be feasible for all asteroid scenarios.