‘2182 ends humanity?’ Scientists reveal the deadly truth about an incoming asteroid

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Impact Simulated

[{"selector":"#anim-8e57a982-d823-4a41-8a1b-ddc323ffe90a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] A future asteroid strike has been modeled, revealing the catastrophic effects Earth may face. Representative pic

Bennu Threatens

[{"selector":"#anim-e599e1eb-0d16-4806-bc7e-cfa160cef22c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The asteroid Bennu has a 1 in 2,700 chance of colliding with Earth in 2182—small, but real. Representative pic

Doom Calculated

[{"selector":"#anim-f375544e-3136-4583-9e06-6f2cee5bcd4b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.75657884974632%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Scientists at Pusan National University ran simulations to predict the aftermath of impact. Representative pic

Climate Collapses

[{"selector":"#anim-ee062f31-c9d6-4de4-bd52-bdd454c4df34 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] A strike could inject 400 million tons of dust into the atmosphere, cooling Earth by 4°C. Representative pic

Ozone Depletes

[{"selector":"#anim-8f5b77e5-7c96-43a4-8a20-dfc58ff155ad [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The impact may strip 32% of the ozone layer, exposing plants and animals to deadly radiation. Representative pic

Food Diminishes

[{"selector":"#anim-7d0cf6f2-7b23-481e-924c-85120fd79b46 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.16466336545025%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photosynthesis could drop by 30%, leading to severe disruptions in global food security. Representative pic

Algae Thrives

[{"selector":"#anim-00e8eac3-8ef0-4151-a793-5db7082e9dcb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] While land plants struggle, marine algae may bloom, creating unexpected food sources. Representative pic

Survival Possible

[{"selector":"#anim-eee7cb98-52e3-47cb-ab74-c662136dd753 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.25968480363987%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] History suggests humanity could endure, but with fewer numbers and altered lifestyles. Representative pic

Lessons Ignored

[{"selector":"#anim-1c025003-31c7-4dfc-b59f-8b7e6bf55c17 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-23.543607071602946%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Scientists warn impacts happen every 100,000 years—yet, we remain unprepared. Representative pic

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