The collision changed the orientation and orbit of the Russian satellite, which was being used in scientific experiments, Kelso said.

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It holds that the Moon formed from the debris kicked into orbit by the collision of a smaller proto-planet with the infant Earth.

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The debris could shatter into more pieces or change orbit and be on a collision course with something else.

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They become denizens of the asteroid belt found between Mars and Jupiter until they fall out of orbit, possibly after a collision.

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They become denizens of the asteroid belt that's found between Mars and Jupiter until they fall out of orbit, possibly as a result of a collision with another object.

WSJ: Russia Meteor Was Largest in More Than a Century

If Apophis passes the earth at a distance of exactly 18, 893 miles it will open a "gravitational keyhole" causing it to enter a new orbit that would put it on a direct collision course with earth seven years later.

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Although the predicted distance between the debris and the satellite seemed to preclude a collision, the fact that the close approach happened within 10 seconds of the change in orbit made the Feng Yun 1C debris the likely culprit, Kelso wrote in a blog post.

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With an estimated 750 or more satellites currently in orbit and many more nations now seeking to launch satellites than ever before overall collision hazards are expected to increase.

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