[Truth666]

So what was the hoax and who was the hoaxer?
Hoax : it's possible to predict when a meteor the size of "Toutatis" is going to pass near the earth.
Hoaxers : who ever claims that he has proof of that.

[Dave S]

Hoax : it's possible to predict when a meteor the size of "Toutatis" is going to pass near the earth.

Hey dude, Toutatis is an aesteroid, not a meteor. Meteors are small pieces of space debries that have entered the earths atmosphere and burns up. Toutatis has an orbit. This is not the first time Toutatis has passed the earth. They can track it like any other body in space. They know its current position, its current heading and speed. Unless you are saying that its propelled by a rocket that is going to increase its speed or change its direction, why cant they predict when its going to pass near earth? Is your area of expertise astrophysics? I think not. What televangelis convinced you this is a hoax and that you are going to be raptured out today during the beginning of the rapture?

[Turk82_1]

I refer you to http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/neo/, where you can learn all about how Near Earth Objects are detected, their obits plotted, and the various uncertainties attendant on these orbits.

True, they aren't exactly as regular as the downtown bus, but they are darn close. Now, I want you to tell me why it is NOT possible to predict an orbit.

[Rebel_Ace]

"Hoax : it's possible to predict when a meteor(asteroid) the size of 'Toutatis' is going to pass near the earth. Hoaxers : who ever claims that he has proof of that."

Shoemaker-Levy 9. Comparible size. Orbital impact with Jupiter calculated and predicted within a few minutes of actual strike. I personally got to observe the spreading "dark patches" after the impact with my cheapo TASCO telescope in my front yard.

Suggested Reading:

Orbital Mechanics
More Orbital Mechanics
That Old Dead Newton Guy
Shoemaker Levy 9 Info
More Shoemaker Levy 9 Info
Physics for Dummies, available at Amazon.com

And now I depart this thread, as you cannot teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and annoys the pig. (I just love Mark Twain)