Scientists have developed a new method to detect potentially hazardous asteroids heading for Earth. Published by Professor Oscar del Barco Novillo from the University of Murcia, the formula uses gravitational bending to pinpoint the precise locations of celestial objects, including asteroids in the solar system. This discovery could significantly enhance planetary defense and provide early warnings to prevent asteroid collisions.

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• A new formula to detect killer asteroids was developed by Professor Oscar del Barco Novillo from the University of Murcia.
• The formula uses gravitational bending of light to pinpoint the locations of celestial objects, including asteroids.
• Gravitational bending is a phenomenon first proposed by Isaac Newton in 1730 and later confirmed by Einstein in 1916.
• The formula accounts for the deflection of light beams caused by massive objects like the Sun and planets like Jupiter.
• This method allows scientists to better calculate the orbits of minor objects, such as asteroids, in the solar system.
• The formula could help planetary defense systems like NASA’s DART mission to prevent asteroid collisions with Earth.
• It can also be used to map distant galaxies and explore cosmic phenomena such as dark matter and dark energy.
• The technique will assist in creating detailed 3D maps of billions of galaxies as part of the ESA’s Euclid mission.
• This discovery has significant implications for understanding and mitigating cosmic threats to Earth.
• The formula offers a more accurate estimation of asteroid orbits and their potential risk to Earth.