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NASA Reveals Odds of Civilization-Ending Asteroid Impact

Image courtesy of NASA shows an artist's concept of a broken-up asteroid. (REUTERS/NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout)
Image courtesy of NASA shows an artist's concept of a broken-up asteroid. (REUTERS/NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout)
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NASA Reveals Odds of Civilization-Ending Asteroid Impact

Image courtesy of NASA shows an artist's concept of a broken-up asteroid. (REUTERS/NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout)
Image courtesy of NASA shows an artist's concept of a broken-up asteroid. (REUTERS/NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout)

NASA has unveiled the probability of a civilization-ending asteroid impact, like the one that killed off the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

According to the Interesting Engineering website, the agency said the odds of a huge asteroid hitting Earth are almost negligible at 0.000001% per year.

A part of its Near Earth Object program, NASA is carrying out research on asteroids that may threaten our planet. Officials from the agency have set a schedule that explains the likelihood of an asteroid impact with Earth for the next 100 years.

Only massive asteroids can cross the Earth atmosphere and remain intact. Any space rock with a diameter of about 10 meters, will be destroyed in the Earth's atmosphere during thermal explosions, the Interesting Engineering reported.

According to NASA, a meteor punched a hole in a parking lot in 1992. Properties in Connecticut and an Alabama were also damaged by falling space rocks in this century. The probability of an asteroid capable of destroying a city striking Earth is 0.1% every year, NASA said.

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Saudi Arabia Tops MENA Region in E-Government Services for Third Consecutive Year in 2024

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Tops MENA Region in E-Government Services for Third Consecutive Year in 2024

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia ranked first among Middle East and North African countries in the 2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index, issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), securing the top position for the third consecutive time with a high maturity rate of 96% in the overall assessment.

Digital Government Authority Governor Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan stressed that this achievement reflects the significant support and interest that the wise leadership has given to the digital government ecosystem, which has contributed to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position in international rankings.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of integration among government agencies, their reliance on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, and the launch of initiatives and digital products aimed at improving the beneficiaries' experience.

Saudi Arabia has made significant progress since 2020, starting in fourth place, advancing to second in 2021, then taking the lead in 2022 and maintaining it in the 2023 and 2024 editions. This progress is attributed to substantial improvements in digital services across vital sectors such as health, education, and smart cities.

Electronic healthcare solutions, such as digital prescriptions, appointment bookings through government platforms, and telehealth services, have improved access to services and increased beneficiary satisfaction. Additionally, digital educational services, including remote learning platforms and electronic university admissions, have enhanced users' ability to access government services with flexibility and high quality.

Saudi Arabia outperformed 16 countries in the index, which was based on the maturity assessment of 100 priority government services provided to individuals and the business sector through electronic portals and smart applications. This was measured across three sub-indicators: a score of 99% in the Service Availability and Development indicator, 93% in the Service Usage and Beneficiary Satisfaction indicator, and 99% in the Public Outreach indicator.