In February, a meteor-now known as the Chelyabinsk projectile-exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk and the surrounding Ural region as it zoomed toward Earth. More than a thousand people were hurt by flying, broken glass. The meteor shattered countless windows, set off car alarms, and blew off doors. The energy of the blast was 40 times as powerful as the Hiroshima bomb! Though the whole thing happened in seconds-climaxing with a flash of blindingly bright light at the moment of impact-the effects of the incident were widespread. Footage of this event is readily visible online; check out the breathtaking-and terrifying-clips in this You Tube film:
Though this was the first instance of a portion of cosmic projectile striking Earth in contemporary times, it was certainly not the first time such an event has occurred. In 1908, part of an asteroid that was twice as big as the Chelyabinsk flattened over 1,000 square miles of forest in another area of Russia-proof that the notion of meteors and comets doing damage to planet Earth is not the stuff of science fiction. It is, indeed, reality, a reality for which some people are trying to become more prepared.
This April 2013, the International Academy of Astronautics Planetary Defense Conference took place in Flagstaff, Arizona. During the conference, which was called "Gathering for Impact!" experts from around the world gathered to share ideas about planetary defense. Participants discussed what they already know about the possible threats posed by comets and asteroids, as well as ways we might be able to protect ourselves from them. Participants also addressed political and policy issues. Some have asked for scientist to spend more time monitoring the area known as "near Earth space" in order to better anticipate approaching space rocks. Others argue that increased monitoring wouldn't make much of a difference, since small meteors such as Chelyabinsk projectile are darkly colored and can enter the Earth's atmosphere from a position called "day side," rendering them invisible.
So what's the best way to prepare for the most unpredictable of events? Naturally, we think it's insurance. Who knows? Someday, there might even be a homeowners' insurance rider designed to your property from comets!
For any of your insurance questions, Contact Litaker Insurance today.