These space objects are as strong as the strongest terrestrial materials. But already this knowledge will help to develop means of fighting asteroids, which will not be redundant.

Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education said that Russian scientists from the Ural Federal University, with the support of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other scientific institutions, are developing a new way to protect the Earth from meteorites and asteroids.

As a result of the experiments conducted, it was found out that the strength of asteroids that fall on the planet roughly corresponds to the strongest Earth materials. In order to destroy them it is necessary to apply pressure that would exceed the Earth's pressure by 40 thousand times. On the basis of these data can begin to develop specific ways to destroy asteroids in space.

Chinese scientists are convinced that the only way to protect the planet from collision with a large meteorite are missiles with nuclear warheads. But no country has such technology now.

Prior to this, NASA said that in the direction of the Earth are moving several asteroids with a diameter of up to 150 meters.

Author: Наталья Чудесатова

Concern is growing in South America: Andean glaciers are disappearing at a faster rate than predicted, jeopardizing the water supply for nearly a hundred million people. This was reported by researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and Newcastle at a representative conference in London.

The Andes are a long mountain range that runs through countries such as Peru, Chile and Bolivia. Glacial reserves provide water for drinking, agricultural irrigation and electricity generation, but are steadily declining due to climate change.

According to studies, the annual loss of ice thickness reaches 70 centimeters, which is 35% higher than the global average. The main factor is global warming: reduced snowfall, increased frequency and intensity of rains and droughts. If the current trend continues, the region will face a shortage of water needed for life support and agriculture. Low-income rural settlements dependent on mountain streams are particularly vulnerable.

Scientists are pressing for urgent reductions in global carbon dioxide emissions to slow the melting process. Without urgent action, they argue, irreversible consequences will occur in as little as two decades.

Author: Наталья Чудесатова