'Collision Course': Top six asteroids that can crash and end life on Earth

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar

Undetected Asteroid Highlights Risks

An undetected asteroid, named 2024 RW1, entered Earth's atmosphere on September 4, 2024, burning up as a fireball over the Philippines. The asteroid was discovered just eight hours before impact, reminding scientists of the potential dangers posed by space rocks in the solar system.

2024 RW1 Was Harmless but Alarming

Although 2024 RW1 was too small to cause any damage, its late detection raised concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring systems. Experts caution that more dangerous asteroids could strike Earth in the future.

Six Potentially Hazardous Asteroids Identified

Scientists have identified six asteroids with a potential risk of colliding with Earth. While most of these space rocks have low chances of impact, they remain under observation due to their size and trajectory.

Bennu: A Large Near-Earth Object

Bennu, with a diameter of 1,574 feet, poses a 1 in 2,700 chance of colliding with Earth on September 24, 2182. It is closely monitored due to its size and potential impact.

1950 DA: The Largest of the Threats

Asteroid 1950 DA, which measures 6,561 feet in diameter, has a 1 in 34,500 chance of hitting Earth on March 16, 2880. Its large size makes it a significant concern for long-term monitoring.

Upcoming Risks: 2023 DW and 2007 FT3

Asteroid 2023 DW, measuring 166 feet, has a 1 in 1,584 chance of impacting Earth on February 14, 2046. Another asteroid, 2007 FT3, has a much lower probability of collision (1 in 11.5 million) but could approach Earth on October 5, 2024.

Potential for Devastation

NASA reports that Earth receives about 48.5 tonnes of meteoric material daily, most of which burns up in the atmosphere. However, larger space rocks can punch through and cause significant damage, as seen in the asteroid impact 66 million years ago, which caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Current Threat Level is Low

Experts, including Dr. Greg Brown of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, reassure that no known asteroids currently pose a significant threat to Earth. If any were to collide soon, they would most likely land in remote regions or oceans.