On Wednesday, scientists were surprised by the sudden entry the small asteroid, named 2024 RW1, measured just one metre wide. It was identified only eight hours before it passed over the Philippines. Fortunately, the asteroid was too small to cause any damage. This incident highlights the hidden dangers in our solar system and the need for increased monitoring and preparation for future asteroid encounters.
Experts Warn of Asteroid Threats
Asteroids pose a significant threat to Earth. Among them, Asteroid Bennu, discovered in 1999, stands out as the most concerning. Bennu measures 1,574ft in diameter and weighs 67 million tonnes. It's wider than the Empire State Building and 200 times heavier. NASA predicts a 1 in 2,700 chance of Bennu impacting Earth on September 24, 2182. If it does collide, the impact could release energy equal to 1.4 billion tonnes of TNT, more powerful than all nuclear weapons ever detonated.
2023 DW: The Valentine’s Day Asteroid
Asteroid 2023 DW is another potential danger, predicted to possibly collide with Earth on February 14, 2046. With a diameter of 166ft, it's similar in size to the asteroid that caused the destructive Chelyabinsk event in 2013. Travelling at 21.78 km/s relative to the sun, a collision could devastate an entire city. Initially, the odds of impact were estimated at 1 in 607, but recent observations have significantly reduced this risk.
1950 DA: A Massive Menace
Asteroid 1950 DA, a colossal 4,265ft in diameter and weighing 71 million tonnes, presents a significant threat. If it strikes Earth, the impact would release energy comparable to detonating 75 billion tonnes of TNT, potentially triggering a global catastrophe on the scale of the dinosaur extinction. Currently, there is a 1 in 34,500 chance of impact on March 16, 2880. The asteroid will pass safely by Earth in 2032, but preparations are already underway for future threats. NASA and ESA are testing methods to deflect dangerous asteroids, including high-speed satellite collisions.
2023 TL4: A Civilisation-Threatening Asteroid
Discovered last year, Asteroid 2023 TL4 poses a potential civilisation-ending threat due to its massive size and weight. Measuring 1,083ft in diameter and weighing 43 million tonnes, it could unleash a blast 150 times more powerful than the Tsar Bomba. Fortunately, scientists estimate a low collision risk of 1 in 181,000 on October 10, 2119, giving space agencies ample time to prepare.
2007 FT3: The Lost Asteroid
Asteroid 2007 FT3, classified as a "lost asteroid," has not been observed since 2007. Despite the uncertainty, NASA estimates a 1 in 10 million chance of impact on March 3, 2030, and a slightly lower chance on October 5, 2024. If an impact occurs, it would release energy equivalent to 2.6 billion tonnes of TNT, causing regional devastation but unlikely to trigger a global catastrophe.
1979 XB: Another Lost Asteroid
Asteroid 1979 XB, unseen for nearly 40 years, is another "lost asteroid." Scientists estimate a 1 in 1.8 million chance of impact on December 14, 2113, based on observations from its initial discovery. If it collides with Earth, the impact could release energy equal to 30 billion tonnes of TNT.
Asteroid Collisions with Earth
Asteroid collisions are more common than many realise. NASA estimates that 48.5 tonnes of meteoric material enter Earth's atmosphere daily, mostly burning up and creating shooting stars. Larger objects, however, are rare. While asteroid collisions are unlikely, they are not impossible.
To mitigate these risks, NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) run programmes to identify, categorise, and track Near Earth Objects (NEOs). These initiatives ensure we are better prepared for potential asteroid impacts.
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