Astronomers Monitor Asteroid To Pass Near Mars

Science Daily ^ | 12-21-2007 | NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

[kinoxi]

I read an article earlier today that put the odds at 1 in 30 of a hit.

[BlessedBeGod]

Related thread: Scientists say asteroid may hit Mars in late January (1 in 75 chance on Jan. 30, 2008)

[cripplecreek]

Keeping my fingers crossed for an impact just because it would be cool as hell.

[Jet Jaguar]

Reminds me of the book “Lucifers Hammer”

Scientist had said 1 in 1000, then 1 in 600, then 1 in 50, and then it hit.

[RightWhale]

The object was disintegrated by Earth's thicker atmosphere before it hit the ground,

I didn't see this covered on the other thread. Mars atmosphere is much deeper than earth's although the surface pressure is lower by far. The asteroid might or might not make it through depending on its structure. If it is a loose clot of dust it won't. If it is solid nickel steel it will.

[neodad]

Well, an impact should take care of that Martian global warming.

[neodad]

Reminds me of the book “Lucifers Hammer”

Scientist had said 1 in 1000, then 1 in 600, then 1 in 50, and then it hit

One of my alltime favorite Sci-Fi books.

[happinesswithoutpeace]

bkmark

[Jet Jaguar]

If you have not read it already, check out “Earth Abides” by Stewart. Great read.

[RightWhale]

it would be cool

It would melt permafrost. That would be most convenient for a future settlement: to have a lake a mile across and a mile deep.

[Verginius Rufus]

As we know from the earth’s history, an asteroid impact will kill off any Martian dinosaurs.

[nuke rocketeer]

Followed closely by Footfall

[Brilliant]

I would like to see a direct hit. That would be interesting.

[wolfcreek]

So.....if this rock misses Mars, where is it off to next?

[Robert A Cook PE]

Yes, that is a related thread, but this explanation and the writeup itself are much more clear in this one.
A good reason for sometimes repeating a subject - with a different source article.

[kinoxi]

I would like to see a direct hit. That would be interesting.

So would I. :) Save our future probes a little bit of digging as well.

[Scythian]

I hope it slams into it and huge chunks come raining down on the earth, oh wait, no that’s bad, never mind ...

[swatbuznik]

I agree, that would be kick-butt!

[reagan_fanatic]

So.....if this rock misses Mars, where is it off to next?

Uranus.