Many astronomers recognise that a false alarm could have brought ridicule on their profession. They are calling for more planning and less panic if it should happen for real next time.

A false alarm can be called. It's merely a matter of PR wording.

And I'm a little sick of the science communities complaining about lack of funds. This was a perfect oportunity for general citizens of the US, and the globe, to become concerned about space (again) and to watch how science truly works. A heightening of the impactor threat would have been a small blurb for many news agencies, but it would also spark new, meaningful concern from basically outward-thinking people.

Dan