Asteroid threat is so real NASA steps in to protect Earth from direct hit

NASA is now so concerned about a devastating direct hit with Earth they're setting up a detection program to monitor them.

The newly named Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PCDO) will keep an eye out on all of the Near Earth Objects that are floating around in space.

So far around 13,500 NEOs have been discovered but NASA say this only around 10% of all asteroids that are 140 metres and larger.

In a statement Lindley Johnson, lead program executive for the PCDO, said: "The formal establishment of the Planetary Defence Coordination Office makes it evident that the agency is committed to perform a leadership role in national and international efforts for detection of these natural impact hazards, and to be engaged in planning if there is a need for planetary defence."

As well as monitoring these giant space rocks, NASA will also start working on ways to stop an asteroid should a direct hit become a reality.

The US space agency could begin developing technology which will deflect asteroids that appear to be on an impact course with our planet.

Unlike scenes from blockbuster hit Armageddon, these include using the mass of another object to pull the asteroid from its collision course with our planet.

For many space boffins this news can't come quick enough.

Experts believe there could be millions asteroids in our solar systems and we currently track a tiny amount of them.

Russian scientist, Vladimir Lipunov, recently warned that a space rock named 2014 UR116, was on a potential collision course with Earth.

Speaking about the asteroid Lipunov warned: "We should track it constantly. Because if we have a single mistake, there will be a catastrophe. The consequences can be very serious.”

Over 100 top astronomers and stars including Queen's Brian May recently signed a pledge to support the first global Asteroid Day.

This took take place last year in an attempt to raise awareness of the issues facing our planet.

(dailystar.co.uk)