Inside the mission to stop killer asteroids from smashing into Earth

When asteroid Armageddon is upon us, we can't just call Bruce Willis. Meet the people who really do watch the skies – and make detailed plans for our survival.

The city has had 60 days to prepare. Museums have been emptied of exhibits, nearby nuclear power stations shut down and fleets of buses requisitioned. Inhabitants of America’s most populous urban area need to be rehoused. The matter-of-fact briefing notes for the evacuation state: “People will be leaving permanently. There will be nothing remaining.”