NASA has issued a serious warning regarding nearly 15,000 mid-sized asteroids, referred to as 'city-killers', that remain untracked and could pose catastrophic risks to populated areas on Earth. These asteroids, which are around 140 meters in diameter, have the potential to cause significant regional damage if they were to collide with the planet. The head of planetary defense at NASA, Dr. Kelly Fast, has underscored the agency's lack of sufficient tracking capabilities to monitor these dangerous space rocks, which are reportedly zooming past Earth at alarming velocities.

In response to the growing threat, Dr. Nancy Chabot, a planetary scientist affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, highlighted that the tools currently available are insufficient for complete tracking and mitigation of such asteroids. Past successes in planetary defense, such as NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), show promise for developing future strategies to address these potential impacts. However, the reality remains that without enhanced surveillance, Earth remains vulnerable to the potential hazards posed by these celestial bodies.

As discussions about planetary defense intensify, this issue emphasizes the urgent need for improved detection systems and international collaboration in space monitoring efforts. The implications of a 'city-killer' asteroid impact are severe, prompting experts to call for more funding and technological advancements to enhance humanity's readiness against these unpredictable threats from space.