Asteroid Bennu, a near-Earth asteroid, threatens catastrophic impact by 2182, predicts scientific community. A collision with Earth would have devastating consequences, including an ‘impact winter’ and severe ozone depletion.
The rocky object known as Bennu is classified as a near-Earth asteroid, currently making its closest approach to Earth every six years at about 186,000 miles (299,000 km) away. Scientists estimate a one-in-2,700 chance of a collision with Earth in September 2182.
Bennu is a near-Earth asteroid discovered in 1999 by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research program.
It is estimated to be around 1,640 meters (5,377 feet) in diameter and has a highly elliptical orbit that brings it close to Earth every six years.
Bennu's surface is composed of organic-rich material, including water, carbonates, and sulfides.
In 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully retrieved samples from the asteroid's surface, providing valuable insights into its composition and history.
What Would Happen if Bennu Struck Earth?
If ‘it were to strike our planet,’ the consequences would be catastrophic. According to new research based on computer simulations of an impact by an asteroid with a diameter of roughly three-tenths of a mile (500 meters) like Bennu, the effects would be far-reaching and long-lasting.
An asteroid impact is a catastrophic event that occurs when a large asteroid collides with Earth's surface.
The impact can cause massive destruction, tsunamis, and global firestorms.
According to NASA, over 20,000 asteroids larger than 1 kilometer in diameter are estimated to exist in our solar system.
In 1908, an asteroid exploded over Siberia, flattening trees over 800 square miles.
The 'Chelyabinsk meteor' in 2013 injured over 1,000 people and damaged buildings.
Asteroid impacts can be prevented with early detection and deflection strategies.
Impact Winter: A Global Catastrophe
The immediate devastation would be followed by a global ‘impact winter’ characterized by reduced sunlight, cold temperatures, and decreased precipitation at the surface. This phenomenon is caused by the solar dimming due to dust injected into the atmosphere, which would last for three to four years.
Climate Disruptions and Ozone Depletion
The researchers found that Earth’s average surface temperature would decrease by about 7 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), while average rainfall would fall by 15%. Plant photosynthesis would be reduced by up to 20-30%, and the planet’s ozone layer would be depleted by 32%.
Severe Ozone Depletion in the Stratosphere
The stratosphere, the second atmospheric layer, would experience severe ozone depletion due to strong warming caused by the solar absorption of dust particles. This would have a lasting impact on climate conditions.
Impact on Ecosystems and Human Life
An asteroid collision of this magnitude could cause massive loss of human life, although the exact death toll depends on where the asteroid impact occurs. The researchers noted that the potential for food insecurity and climate disruption would be significant in the aftermath of such an event.
Asteroid Bennu: A Rocky Remnant from the Dawn of Time
Bennu is a ‘rubble pile’ asteroid, a loose amalgamation of rocky material rather than a solid object. It is a remnant of a larger celestial body that formed near the dawn of the solar system roughly 4.5 billion years ago. NASA‘s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collected samples from Bennu in 2020, which showed that the asteroid bore some of the chemical building blocks of life.
Asteroid Impacts: A Threat to Human Existence
Asteroids have struck Earth occasionally over its long history, often with cataclysmic results. The likelihood of a Bennu-sized asteroid striking Earth is small at 0.037%, but the potential impact would be very serious and could lead to massive longer-term food insecurity on our planet and climate conditions similar to those seen only for some of the largest volcanic eruptions in the last 100,000 years.
Asteroids, small rocky objects in space, have been a concern for scientists and astronomers due to their potential to cause significant damage upon impact.
According to NASA, over 20,000 near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) are known to exist, with many more undiscovered.
The largest asteroid impact in recent history was the 'Chelyabinsk meteor' , which exploded over Russia in 2013, injuring over 1,000 people and causing widespread damage.
Scientists estimate that a large asteroid impact could cause global devastation, including massive earthquakes, tsunamis, and firestorms.
The Importance of Asteroid Defense
It is essential to think about the risk posed by asteroids like Bennu. ‘We need to be prepared,’ said a scientist. NASA has carried out proof-of-principle planetary defense missions, including the use of its robotic DART spacecraft to change the trajectory of the asteroid Dimorphos. This demonstrates the importance of preparing for potential asteroid impacts and mitigating their effects on our planet.
