A surprise asteroid entry into Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday raised concerns about the growing threat of space objects. The small asteroid 2024 RW1 passed over the Philippines but caused no damage.
This event has intensified the discussion about the six dangerous asteroids scientists are monitoring. Here’s a breakdown of those space rocks:
1. Asteroid Bennu
Bennu, discovered in 1999, is currently the most threatening asteroid to Earth. With a 1 in 2,700 chance of impact in 2182, Bennu could release energy equivalent to 1.4 billion tons of TNT.
2. 2023 DW – The Valentine’s Day Asteroid
2023 DW has a small chance of colliding with Earth on February 14, 2046. Although the probability is low, an impact could cause city-wide destruction.
3. 1950 DA
This massive asteroid could trigger a global catastrophe similar to the event that wiped out the dinosaurs. Its next close approach is in 2880, but the risk is currently low.
4. 2023 TL4
Another significant threat, this asteroid is a civilisation-ending possibility. While it has a low chance of impacting Earth, it could cause a blast 150 times stronger than the Tsar Bomba.
5. 2007 FT3
Dubbed a “lost asteroid,” 2007 FT3 poses a low risk of impact on October 5, 2024, but its potential energy release could still cause regional devastation.
6. 1979 XB
This asteroid hasn’t been observed for 40 years, yet scientists predict a 1 in 1.8 million chance of impact in December 2113. The energy release would be massive, equivalent to 30 billion tons of TNT.
Asteroid Collisions
While asteroid collisions are rare, NASA estimates that smaller meteoric material enters Earth’s atmosphere daily. Larger impacts, however, could be catastrophic.
Monitoring Efforts
NASA and ESA continue monitoring these Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) to detect and track threats, preparing for any potential future impacts.
Space agencies are also exploring deflection methods, such as satellite collisions, to divert dangerous asteroids.