Which asteroids pose the greatest threat to Earth? How likely are they to strike, and what level of destruction could they cause? Here are five space objects closely monitored by NASA.
By Julian James
Threats from Space
Around 66 million years ago, a city-sized asteroid struck Earth, releasing energy equivalent to the explosion of 72 trillion tons of TNT. This impact left a 112-mile-wide (180 kilometers) crater in what is now Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. To prevent similar catastrophic events, NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) operates the Sentry impact-monitoring system, which analyzes the potential collision courses of hazardous asteroids. Five objects are under particularly close observation.
Bennu and 1950 DA
The asteroid Bennu, discovered in 1999, has a 0.037% chance of hitting Earth on September 24, 2182. At 1,610 feet in size, Bennu could cause regional devastation but would not trigger a global catastrophe. Another major risk is posed by the asteroid 1950 DA, nearly twice as large as Bennu, with a 0.0029% chance of colliding with Earth on March 16, 2880. If this were to happen, the impact could result in a global catastrophe.
Other Hazardous Objects
Newer discoveries like 2023 TL4 and “lost” asteroids such as 2007 FT3 and 1979 XB are also under careful observation. Although their chances of impacting Earth are slim, a collision could still cause significant regional destruction. Scientists rely on advanced technology to calculate their orbits with precision and develop timely countermeasures.
A Manageable Risk – For Now
Currently, NASA rates all five objects as “Level 0” on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, indicating virtually no risk. However, thousands of potential threats remain undetected, possibly hidden in the Sun’s glare. Systems like Sentry are essential for identifying and addressing future risks to ensure Earth’s safety.
The ongoing monitoring of potentially hazardous asteroids underscores the importance of proactive measures to address cosmic threats. With technologies like the Sentry system, humanity can identify risks early and develop strategies to mitigate potential impacts. Advancing our capabilities to deflect or neutralize such objects will be crucial for ensuring the long-term safety of our planet.
Based on content from livescience.com and own research.