What if an asteroid hit earth 🌍?
What would happen if an asteroid hit earth?
Scientists initially believed that asteroid 99942, also known as Apophis, would miss Earth by the year 2029. However, recent miscalculations have indicated that it is now on a collision course with our planet. The asteroid, measuring 340 meters in diameter, is larger than the Eiffel Tower. While this may sound alarming, it is important to note that Apophis is significantly smaller than the asteroid that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Despite its size, the proximity of Apophis to Earth is a cause for concern. Efforts are being made to determine if the trajectory of the asteroid can be altered to prevent a catastrophic impact. The possibility of such an event underscores the importance of continued research and preparedness for potential asteroid threats.The initial step involves identifying the asteroid, which has already been accomplished. We are aware of the size and speed of the asteroid, moving at approximately 30 km/s. Now, we must consider the defense strategies that could be implemented. Currently, there are a few options under consideration. One of these options is the kinetic impactor method, which entails sending a spacecraft to collide with the asteroid in an attempt to alter its velocity and trajectory. NASA has conducted successful tests using this approach, making it a viable choice. Another potential strategy is the gravity tractor, where a large spacecraft would maneuver close to the asteroid, gradually altering its path through gravitational forces. Laser ablation is also being considered, involving the use of specialized lasers to vaporize parts of the asteroid's surface, potentially changing its course and impact. Lastly, the final resort would be the nuclear option. While this may seem like the most drastic measure, given the asteroid's size and the limited time before impact, it could be the only viable solution. However, it is crucial to exercise caution before resorting to nuclear detonation, as it could lead to the fragmentation of the asteroid, resulting in multiple smaller asteroids and meteors heading towards Earth, posing an even greater threat. Additionally, the radioactive nature of these fragments could have far-reaching consequences, impacting significant parts of the world.However, the radiation levels experienced during an asteroid impact would be comparable to those seen in nuclear warfare. Therefore, determining the best course of action is a difficult decision. Let me take a moment to consider this. Oh, unfortunately, it is now too late as we took too long to decide. The apus will be here any second, so brace yourselves. Although the asteroid impact would most likely occur in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the vast majority of the Earth's surface being water, it would not be visible to the naked eye. However, the impact would be devastating, equivalent to several thousand nuclear bombs detonating, albeit with less radiation. It would create a kilometer-wide crater at the ocean's bottom. The aftermath would be even more catastrophic, with massive tsunamis raging worldwide. Cities along the Pacific coast would feel the impact, and the tsunamis would travel across the ocean at high speeds, affecting regions such as California, Peru, and Chile. These waves would likely exceed 30 meters in height, similar to the devastating 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia that claimed over 230,000 lives. However, in this scenario, the impact would be a complete global catastrophe, affecting not only the Americas but also Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. Millions of lives would be destroyed by these destructive tsunamis.That is the potential outcome if an asteroid were to strike the ocean. However, if it were to make impact on land, the consequences would be even more severe. Firstly, the impact crater would be significantly larger. We are aware that an asteroid's impact crater can be 10 to 20 times the size of the asteroid itself. Without the presence of water to soften the blow, the diameter of the crater could reach up to 7 km, with a depth exceeding 1 km. Depending on the location of impact, this asteroid could be large enough to devastate entire cities.
The initial impact would unleash a massive shock wave that would propagate for hundreds of kilometers. This shock wave has the potential to demolish buildings and cause extensive damage to infrastructure. Additionally, it would propel vast amounts of dust and debris into the atmosphere. The situation could escalate to the point where it triggers an impact winter. This phenomenon occurs when a dust cloud temporarily blocks the sun, leading to the death of crops and vegetation. The consequences would be further casualties and could persist for weeks or even months, resulting in an overall environmental catastrophe. The entire event, from the initial impact to the aftermath, could potentially claim the lives of millions of people, depending on the location of the asteroid's landing. We can only hope that such an asteroid collision would occur far away from populated areas.
However, there is some positive news amidst this grim scenario. Unlike the asteroid that caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs, an impact from this asteroid would not lead to a mass extinction event for humanity. Although the event would be incredibly traumatic and result in numerous casualties, humanity as a whole would survive to witness another day.
Now, let us contemplate what the future of humanity would look like after enduring such a catastrophic event. It is a tale that holds great intrigue...
well, thank you for reading, I usually post stories daily but this one took so long I had to skip 3days, so if you enjoyed please drop a like and subscribe.. thanks
About the Creator
Josh
exploring the universe and it's mysteries.. nature, planets, fictions and facts.




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