NASA expert Kelly Fast has highlighted the serious yet often overlooked threat posed by approximately 25,000 asteroids, termed 'city killers,' that orbit near Earth. Speaking at a conference hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Fast revealed that while scientists have tracked about 40% of these asteroids, a significant portion remains undetected, leaving humanity vulnerable to potential catastrophic events. Fast expressed her concern about the unknown asteroids that could wreak havoc if they were on a collision course with Earth.

During her presentation, Fast reassured the audience that she was not particularly worried about the larger asteroids that are already being monitored, nor about the smaller ones that regularly enter Earth's atmosphere. Her primary concern lies with the undiscovered asteroids; the knowledge gap around these 'invisible' threats keeps her awake at night. The conversation emphasizes the need for greater monitoring and detection capabilities to safeguard Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

The AAAS has been pivotal in facilitating discussions among scientific experts regarding planetary defense against such hazards. The looming question of how to effectively track these dangerous asteroids resonates with the broader implications of Earth's safety, fostering a sense of urgency among scientists and policymakers to prioritize space surveillance efforts. Ensuring the Earth's safety from these celestial bodies might require increased funding and global cooperation in space research initiatives.