Eupraxsophy

The universe contains over a 100 billion galaxies, with some estimates going as high as several hundred billion. In our Milky Way galaxy alone, there are 200 to 400 billion stars, whereas there may be as many as 10 sextillion.

Of course, given the sheer scale of what we’re dealing with, the numbers and estimates vary wildly. Here’s how a study from the Daily Galaxy break down the visible universe within 14 billion light years:

• Superclusters in the visible universe = 10 million
• Galaxy groups in the visible universe = 25 billion
• Large galaxies in the visible universe = 350 billion
• Dwarf galaxies in the visible universe = 7 trillion
• Stars in the visible universe = 30 billion trillion  (3×10²²)

Another study I’ve read suggests that 90% of the most distant galaxies in the universe could be unseen due to clouds of cosmic dust. That would mean that – assuming the same number of stars in each galaxy – that the number of stars in the visible universe would be 270 billion trillion or (2.7 x 10 to the power of 24). Try to wrap your head around that number.

Experts predicts we would need about 2 to 5 years to divert the path of an oncoming asteroid. Since we’re still many years away from being able to slowly push such an object off course, our only options would be either crashing a spacecraft into it or altering its course with nuclear explosions (which is technically illegal in international law).

So far, only the United States and Russia have the ability to undertake this task, although the space programs of Canada, Japan, and Europe have been very helpful with surveillance and exploration, while those of India, China, and Brazil are becoming more advanced. Needless to say, while such a threat is probably still far off, we should start working together to prepare — which is a difficult task in and of itself. It’s going to be quite an investment in a world already beset with so many other problems and sources of disunity.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to build-up the necessary international response and coordination:

The United Nations Scientific and Technical Subcommittee has a special working group on NEOs advised by a special coalition of experts (called Action Team 14), ranging from space agencies to advocacy groups. Together, they are working to formalize an U.N. framework for coordinating an international response to potentially dangerous NEOs. Their recommendations, which will be presented in February, are expected to include proposals to establish two institutions. 

The first is an international asteroid warning network to coordinate the search for NEOs, determine which ones are threats, and what their characteristics are (what they’re made of, how fast they’re traveling, and other factors relevant to trying to deflect them). 

The second group is a “space mission planning advisory group” — comprised of engineers, astronauts (and cosmonauts, and maybe taikonauts), and other representatives of various countries’ space agencies — to plan potential responses to threats. It’s a good start, but some experts feel it’s moving too slowly (surprising no one familiar with the United Nations).”