NASA announces that it is closely monitoring these 5 most dangerous asteroids that threaten Earth

The threat posed by asteroids to our planet has long fascinated and worried scientists and the general public. While Earth already suffered the devastating impact of an asteroid 66 million years ago, causing the extinction of the dinosaurs, NASA is closely monitoring celestial objects that could one day hit our planet. Thanks to the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and its Sentry system, scientists can analyze the orbits of these potentially dangerous asteroids. This article explores the five most threatening asteroids to Earth, each with its unique characteristics and possible consequences if impacted.

Bennu: the biggest short-term risk

The asteroid Bennu, discovered in 1999, is currently considered the most dangerous asteroid near Earth. With a size of 0.30 miles (0.49 kilometers) and a mass of 74 million tons, Bennu could cause considerable regional destruction. NASA has calculated that there is a 0.037% chance that it will hit our planet in 2182. Although this percentage seems low, the destructive potential makes it a priority for scientists.

Bennu is a carbon-rich asteroid, which intrigues researchers because it could contain elements essential for life. In 2023, NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe brought back samples from Bennu, revealing that it contains simple amino acids like glycine, as well as water-containing minerals. This suggests that Bennu may be a remnant of a parent body that underwent watery episodes before fragmenting.

If Bennu were to hit Earth, its collision would release energy equivalent to 1.4 billion tons of TNT. Although not likely to cause global devastation, an impact in a densely populated area could result in millions of deaths. Researchers continue to study Bennu to better understand its composition and orbit, hoping to develop planetary defense strategies.

29075 (1950 DA): a risk for the future

Asteroid 29075, also known as 1950 DA, poses another potential danger to Earth. With a size of 0.81 miles (1.3 kilometers) and a mass of 78 million tons, it is slightly larger than Bennu. Originally discovered in 1950 and rediscovered 50 years later, this asteroid is considered to be a pile of loose debris with a high iron-nickel content.

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The chance of 1950 DA colliding with Earth is 0.0029%, or a one in 34,500 chance, and it could happen on March 16, 2880. Although this event is still far away, the consequences of an impact would be cataclysmic. A collision would release energy equivalent to 75 billion tons of TNTwhich could lead to a global catastrophe, potentially threatening all of humanity.

Scientists continue to monitor 1950 DA and refine their calculations regarding its orbit and composition. The study of this asteroid is crucial to prepare for possible diversion missions and to understand how to prevent natural disasters of extraterrestrial origin.

2023 TL4: a recent threat

Among the recently discovered asteroids, 2023 TL4 stands out for its potential dangerousness. Discovered in 2023, this asteroid was quickly classified among the most threatening. With a size of 0.20 miles (0.33 kilometers) and a mass of 47 million tons, it could cause significant damage if it hits.

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Current calculations estimate that there is a 0.00055% chance that 2023 TL4 will hit Earth on October 10, 2119. Although this probability is low, the energy released by a collision would be equivalent to the detonation of 7.5 billion tons of TNT. This would be enough to cause massive regional destruction.

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The discovery of 2023 TL4 highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of near-Earth objects. Astronomers and scientists are working together to improve detection and tracking technologies to respond quickly to any new celestial threats.

2007 FT3: The Lost Asteroid

2007 FT3 is known as a “lost asteroid” because it has not been observed since its discovery in 2007. With a size of 0.21 miles (0.34 kilometers) and a mass of 54 million tons, this asteroid n is not fully understood due to its poorly defined orbit.

NASA estimates that there is a 0.0000096% chance that 2007 FT3 will hit Earth on March 3, 2030. Another estimate indicates a 0.0000087% chance for an impact on October 5, 2024. If this asteroid were to ever hit our planet, it would release energy equivalent to 2.6 billion tons of TNTcausing significant regional damage without triggering a global catastrophe.

Despite uncertainties regarding its trajectory, efforts to monitor and understand 2007 FT3 continue. The search for such lost asteroids is essential to anticipate and mitigate the potential risks they pose to our planet.

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1979 XB: a forgotten threat

Like 2007 FT3, asteroid 1979 XB is classified as a “lost asteroid”. Last observed in 1979, this celestial object has a size of 0.41 miles (0.66 kilometers) and an impressive mass of 390 million tons.

According to current estimates, there is a 0.000055% chance that 1979 XB will collide with Earth on December 14, 2113. Such an impact would release energy equivalent to 30 billion tons of TNT. Although the probability is low, the consequences of such a collision would be devastatingpotentially affecting our planet's climate and biosphere.

Scientists continue to look for ways to better understand and predict the behavior of this asteroid. The reassessment of 1979 XB and other similar objects is crucial to ensuring the security of our planet from extraterrestrial threats.

Faced with these cosmic threats, the question remains: how can we better prepare for possible collisions with asteroids? As technology and science advance, it is essential to strengthen our ability to detect and deflect these objects before they come too close to Earth. The coming decades will undoubtedly see significant progress in this area, but vigilance must remain essential. Continued research and international cooperation will be crucial to protect our planet and ensure the security of future generations. What will be the next step in planetary defense, and will we be ready to meet this challenge?

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