Hidden Asteroids Near Venus Could Be ‘City Killers’

São Paulo, Brazil – A new study reveals that a hidden swarm of “city killer” asteroids may be lurking near Venus, potentially threatening Earth over the coming millennia. Researchers warn that these asteroids, termed co-orbital, could become an “invisible threat” to our planet if not properly monitored.

Co-orbital asteroids are space rocks that travel alongside a planet’s orbit without a true gravitational bond. Currently, 20 known co-orbital asteroids orbit Venus, including Trojan asteroids, which sit in fixed positions relative to the planet. These asteroids are believed to have originated from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

The largest of these co-orbitals stretches more than 460 feet in diameter, large enough to potentially cause widespread destruction if they collide with Earth. While they pose no immediate danger, their proximity to Venus can lead to gravitational shifts that could redirect them toward our planet.

The study’s lead author, Valerio Carruba, an astronomer at São Paulo State University, emphasized that while the asteroids may not currently be a threat, their unpredictable orbits could change over time. “We need to pay attention to this population of asteroids,” Carruba stated in an interview. “The risk of an impact, though low, exists.”

Researchers conducted simulations to assess the risk of previously undetected co-orbitals. Their findings indicated that while the visibility of some asteroids is hindered by Venus’s brightness, ongoing observations and studies could help identify these threats.

While recent reports suggested the risk of imminent collision with Earth, Carruba clarified, “None of the current co-orbital objects will impact Earth soon.” The fascination with co-orbital asteroids brings awareness to a class of space rocks that require careful monitoring.

As technology improves, scientists hope to better track these asteroids. New observational tools and potential space probes dedicated to monitoring Venus’ orbit could help identify and catalog these hidden threats. According to Carruba, understanding and monitoring these asteroids is crucial but does not warrant alarm.