Computer simulations have found the largest planet in our solar system’s gravity hurls deadly asteroids towards us rather than keeps them away, as previously thought. A paper worked on by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory suggested evidence shows Jupiter was not a protector planet, using its own gravity to suck asteroids away from earth collision. Jupiter’s gravity may actually nudge some asteroids toward the Sun, where they have the possibility of colliding with Earth.
The previously-established Jupiter Shield theory proposes the planet acts like a giant space shield due to its huge mass causing it to suck in or deflect dangerous debris.
However, this shield theory is slowly falling out of favour and one of the leading critics is space expert Kevin Grazier.
He’s published several papers explaining why he thinks Jupiter is a “sniper rather than a shield”.
Mr Grazier’s extensive work could put the Jupiter Shield theory in jeopardy.
He told Gizmodo: “Actually, I wouldn’t say that it’s in jeopardy, I would say that it has been laid to rest.
“Our simulations show that Jupiter is just as likely to send comets at Earth as deflect them away, and we’ve seen that in the real solar system.”
Mr Grazier collaborated with Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Southern Queensland to demonstrate how Jupiter could turn passing objects into potentially Earth-threatening comets.
Both Mr Grazier and his colleagues have admitted although their models can show how Jupiter picks up debris into its orbit and flings it back out, the planet can also act as a shield at the same time.
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