New research examines how misinformation threatens planetary defense and public trust
Since planetary defense relies on public trust and coordinated global response, researchers argue that misinformation is more than a communication challenge—it is a potential risk to effective decision-making.
Phys.org / Science X
As misinformation spreads faster than ever across digital platforms, new research highlights growing risks to public understanding of planetary defense, an area of science that deals with the threat from asteroid and comet impacts, with potentially global consequences.
A new study led by a researcher at the University of New Mexico examines how misinformation emerges, spreads and persists in planetary science, particularly in discussions surrounding asteroids and comets, and the impact risk they pose. These topics often capture widespread public attention, making them especially vulnerable to misinterpretation and sensationalized coverage.
UNM Research Professor Mark Boslough has been at the forefront of actively correcting misinformation about threats from space such as Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), airbursts, and planetary defense. He led the research along with co-authors from 12 institutions. The paper titled "Preventing and correcting spread of misinformation about near-Earth objects, impacts, airbursts, and planetary defense: Case studies" is published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science.
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