Earlier this week the ATN put out a notice that it had discovered a small asteroid with the potential to impact Kerbin in the near future. This caused a minor panic among the populace due to the limited amount of information that accompanied the notice, which was primarily meant for other astronomers but was picked up by the general media and spread like an announcement of impending doom. While we largely blame the media for causing the concern, the ATN should do well to not be so liberal in the future with the release of information that has yet to be verified.

Today however they have put out the official announcement that asteroid OVD-128(A), a smaller-sized asteroid massing at 3,071.295 tons, is in fact on a trajectory that will intercept Kerbin. Current predictions plot an entry into our sphere of influence on December 7th of this year, where new observations of its trajectory will be taken. Right now though it appears to be heading for an area in the southern hemisphere on December 9th. Whether it will survive entry through the atmosphere is unknown, and depends largely on its composition. Based on its mass and size, astronomers predict it is a stony-class of asteroid, which means it could be a loose pile of rubble that will break apart and disintegrate during its fall towards the surface. In the event of an impact, the area is well clear of any populated caverns or ongoing/planned surface operations and the opportunity to collect samples has scientists excited.

Trajectory of OVD-128 after it enters our SOI

We’ll share any additional information the ATN releases over the next few weeks, but definitely expect an update sometime on December 7th or 8th that narrows down the entry corridor and possible impact zone. And please, remember that this asteroid poses no threat to kerbal civilization.