Asteroids, which usually sit in the inner solar system, tend to orbit the Sun, but do not resemble the shape of a planet. There are millions of these rock formations flying around space and their collisions – known as impact events – have played a significant role in shaping many planets. Throughout history, hundreds have struck Earth, causing death, injury and property damage, though nothing more significant.
Some conspiracy theorists believe NASA is involved in a cover-up regarding a catastrophic event that could wipe out the human race.
However, Dr Thaller has shut down those claims.
She revealed there is no way the space agency would be able to hide such an occurrence.
She told BigThink: “If scientists actually knew there was a catastrophic asteroid heading towards
