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A Close Shave for Earth

In January 2002, scientists reported that an asteroid measuring three hundred metres across, came dangerously close to earth.

Asteroids are chunks of matter that roam through space as misshapen rocks, made mainly of iron and nickel. There are probably more than a million asteroids moving in unknown orbits through space.

This close encounter with an asteroid provided only one month's warning. Although the asteroid stayed more than six thousand kilometres from earth, it was still a close shave. If it had arrived four hours earlier on its orbit around the sun, the asteroid would have scored a direct hit on our planet.

If it happened to hit near a city such as Toronto or Chicago, it would not only wipe out the city and its surroundings, but it would send shock waves felt even on the West coast of North America. Furthermore, the dust cloud created by hitting any land mass would have a global impact.

However, since seventy percent of the earth's surface is covered by ocean, the more likely event would be a hit in water. The resulting huge devastating waves would wipe out many coastal cities.

We do have a strategy to protect our planet though. If we are able to spot a menacing asteroid in time, we might be able to launch rockets with enough explosive to deflect the asteroid from its deadly course towards earth.

So next time someone claims they had a close shave, remind them that we all did.

Close shaves are not confined to asteroids and chunks of matter flying through space. Most of us can look back on close shaves we have experienced in the course of everyday life.

I knew a man who, as a missionary in Africa had a very close shave. Riots had erupted in the area he and his family had been working in. Unknown to him, the whole area surrounding their church had been in an uproar during the night. Several people had been killed.

Walking into the area on the Sunday morning with his wife and two children, they were confronted by a man who seriously warned them of the danger, and advised them to go back. He flagged down a busload of people fleeing the area. They had barely boarded the bus when a hate-filled face appeared in the doorway. The man screamed at them to get out. The conductor slammed the door in his face, and the driver sped away. Today the family still remembers their “close shave,” thankful for their last minute deliverance.

Speak to someone who has had a near death experience. It tends to change their attitude toward life, and even their appearance. They are no longer cocky or casual about life. Some even feel they have been spared for a purpose; they present a focused and determined aspect to the world. They have direction.

Do you really have to have a “close shave” to set you on the right path? Or can you find your direction without it?

David Humphreys and Christopher Shennan