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Consider that the overwhelming majority of those 40,000…

“Consider that the overwhelming majority of those 40,000 near-Earth asteroids are small enough to fit on the parking lot at the mall. And while these rocky runts won't cause Armageddon, they could still flatten such popular hominid hangouts as Manhattan or downtown Des Moines.” quote by Seth Shostak
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“Consider that the overwhelming majority of those 40,000 near-Earth asteroids are small enough to fit on the parking lot at the mall. And while these rocky runts won't cause Armageddon, they could still flatten such popular hominid hangouts as Manhattan or downtown Des Moines.”

Seth Shostak

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Highlights that most near‑Earth asteroids are tiny, yet even small ones could cause local damage.

In simple terms: Small asteroids could still harm populated areas.

Key Takeaway

Take asteroid threats seriously.

Themes

science risk space

Mood

cautious informative

Type

educational scientific

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • emergency preparedness
  • space monitoring

Key Concepts

asteroid size impact probability urban safety

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should societies prepare for low‑likelihood threats?
  • What policies balance cost and safety?
A Different Perspective

Low probability may lead to complacency.

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