
Space-based threats, or cosmic hazards, are natural or artificial dangers that originate from outer space and could potentially affect Earth. These threats range from natural phenomena like asteroids and solar flares to human-made dangers like space debris and the militarization of space. Below are some of the most significant space-based threats:
The risks associated with space-based threats such as solar flares, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, rogue planets, black holes, space debris, militarization of space, and climate change impacting space systems are varied and present potential challenges for Earth and its inhabitants. While some of these risks have the potential for significant consequences, the likelihood of certain events occurring is relatively low. Efforts in monitoring, mitigation, and international cooperation are essential to address these threats and ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities in the future.
Space-based threats are varied, ranging from predictable natural phenomena like solar flares to speculative dangers like rogue planets or extraterrestrial contact. While many of these threats are actively monitored, humanity's ability to prevent or mitigate them is still developing. Agencies such as NASA, ESA, and private entities are continually working to improve monitoring, defense, and adaptation strategies to handle these cosmic hazards.
A Carrington-class sunspot group facing Earth sounds scary, but the actual danger depends on what that sunspot does, not just that it exists. Here’s the breakdown in clear, realistic terms:
Read more: Danger Of A Carrington-Size Sunspot Group Facing Earth?
The short version: the chances of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) hitting Earth in a dangerous way are extremely low—borderline near-zero on human timescales.
Here’s the breakdown:
Short answer: No — there is no evidence that any mass extinction in Earth’s history was caused by “RGB rays” (or anything resembling that concept).
But let’s unpack what people sometimes mean when they ask this:
Read more: Evidence Of At Least One Mass Extinction Being Caused By RGB Rays?
People are scared of aliens for a mix of psychological, cultural, and scientific reasons—not because there’s evidence of hostile extraterrestrials, but because the idea taps into a bunch of deep human instincts. Here’s a breakdown in plain, human terms:
People have been fascinated for years with the idea of a hidden planet lurking on the outer edge of our solar system. The scientific version of this idea is often called Planet Nine (or “Planet X” in older pop culture terms), but here’s what it really means — without the hype.
Read more: Speculation About a Planet Beyond the Solar System
People sometimes imagine NASA secretly covering things up, but in reality, that’s not how space science works. NASA isn’t the only one looking at the sky — not even close. There are thousands of telescopes, satellites, universities, amateur astronomers, and entire space agencies around the world constantly watching space.
Read more: Why It Would Be Basically Impossible for NASA to “Hide” Anything in Space
The “3I/ATLAS = alien spaceship” rumor has been floating around since late 2024, when amateur astronomers spotted an odd new interstellar object. Let’s clear it up step-by-step.
The Annunaki are figures from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, particularly associated with the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. In these mythologies, the Annunaki were a group of deities believed to be descendants of the sky god Anu, who was one of the primary gods in the Sumerian pantheon. The name "Annunaki" itself is often translated as "those who came from heaven to earth."
Here's a deeper look at the concept of the Annunaki and the mythology surrounding them:
Read more: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Ancient Annunaki Deities - Were They Ancient Astronauts?
The possibility of a huge comet striking Earth is a real but statistically rare event. Earth has been hit by comets and asteroids multiple times throughout its history, some of which have had significant effects on the planet’s environment and life. Here's a breakdown of what we know about the potential for such an event and how we are preparing for it:
Read more: Preparing for Potential Comet Impacts: Monitoring, Detecting, and Defending Earth