Tony Snowasaurus addressed reporters today.

The asteroid – dubbed “Biggie” – has been visible for almost a year now and is one of the brightest objects in the sky.  Although government officials are firmly behind the president’s voluntary asteroid-avoidance program, a group of renown scientists have disputed the facts used and claim there will be “enormous repercussions” if the asteroid actually strikes the planet. 

Administration officials vehemently disagree with the scientists’ conclusions, characterizing them as “reactionary” and “politically motivated science.”  “Asteroids are just sort-of bigger meteors, and they strike the planet all the time, it’s completely natural: there’s really no reason to be alarmed,” said spokesdinosaur Tony Snowasaurus.  “Look, let the market decide how to use our precious natural resources.  Government will just waste money and screw it up.”

Some estimates have suggested that the possible impact would happen near land and cause an enormous explosion, possibly with widespread consequences.  Yet others have dismissed these claims as “fantastically improbable.”

 The stock market hit record highs following the president’s reassurances, with stocks of … fzzzzt.