and concentrate on what could happen in 2036.

An asteroid measuring 270 metres across has just made what scientists call "a close approach" to earth. In 2029 its orbit will bring it within 22,000 miles of us, close enough for the earth's gravity to alter its orbit. Its precise path after that cannot be calculated now, but there is a small region of space that scientists call a keyhole, and if the asteroid passes through it during its 2029 approach it will come back and hit the earth on 13th April 2036.

The impact would apparently equate to 100 of the most powerful nuclear bombs all being detonated at once, forming a crater approximately 60 miles across. Most of the plant and animal life on earth would cease to exist within a couple of years, and survivors would be forced to lead a hunter-gatherer existence.

So, time to start stocking up on food and petrol - the usual drill when trouble threatens...or perhaps just keep calm and carry on.