Sometimes, I forget just how vulnerable Earth is to cosmic threats. It’s easy to think of our planet as untouchable, but history has shown us otherwise—just look at what happened to the dinosaurs! From tiny meteors to massive, life-ending space rocks, there’s a lot out there that could cause chaos if it ever hit. And while we’ve gotten pretty good at tracking many of these near-Earth objects, some asteroids still lurk out there with the potential to cause huge destruction. If you’re fascinated by space, like I am, or just curious about the dangers zooming around us, here’s a list of 10 asteroids that scientists say could pose a threat to life on Earth.
1. Apophis
Apophis, named after an ancient Egyptian god of chaos, is one of the most infamous asteroids. Measuring around 370 meters across, it caused quite a stir when scientists predicted a possible close encounter with Earth in 2029. Fortunately, updated calculations ruled out a direct hit, but it will still pass closer to Earth than some satellites, giving us a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in space.
2. Bennu
Bennu is another well-known asteroid that could pose a threat. Bennu is about 500 meters wide and passes by Earth every six years. Scientists have calculated that Bennu has a very slight chance of colliding with Earth sometime between the years 2175 and 2199. While the odds are low, the potential impact could release enough energy to rival thousands of nuclear bombs.
3. 1950 DA
Asteroid 1950 DA is unique because of its unusually high rotation speed, which almost seems to defy physics. This asteroid, roughly 1.1 kilometers wide, could collide with Earth in the year 2880. Though it’s far off, the chance of a strike is slightly higher than many other asteroids, and if it does hit, the consequences could be catastrophic, creating global damage.
4. Toutatis
Toutatis is a strange, tumbling asteroid over four kilometers long. It comes close to Earth every four years and is considered a potentially hazardous object. Although it won’t hit Earth in the near future, its unpredictable spin makes it difficult to calculate its long-term path, keeping scientists on their toes as they track its movements.
5. 2002 NT7
In 2002, asteroid 2002 NT7 made headlines when early predictions showed it might strike Earth on February 1, 2019. Fortunately, additional calculations ruled out that date, but this 2-kilometer-wide rock remains a concern. If it were to impact Earth, the explosion would be equivalent to millions of atomic bombs going off at once.
6. 2010 RF12
This tiny but dangerous asteroid measures only 7 meters in diameter, but it’s famous for having the highest known probability of impacting Earth in the near future. With an estimated impact date of 2095, 2010 RF12 would cause regional damage rather than global catastrophe, but it’s a reminder that even small asteroids can be dangerous.
7. 2011 AG5
This asteroid is about 140 meters in diameter and has caused some anxiety due to its possible collision with Earth in 2040. Though recent observations have ruled out the chance of an impact, its size and close approach have kept it on the radar as a potential threat.
8. 2019 PDC
The hypothetical 2019 PDC asteroid was used in a NASA simulation to test how humanity might respond to a potential asteroid strike. This fictional asteroid was based on real data and highlighted the fact that, despite our tracking systems, we might not have enough time to prepare for certain impacts, depending on the asteroid’s size and speed.
9. 2001 WN5
2001 WN5 is a 700-meter-wide asteroid that will pass alarmingly close to Earth in 2028. Though scientists have ruled out a direct impact, it will come within a hair’s breadth (in astronomical terms) of hitting our planet, underscoring just how precarious our position in the universe can be.
10. 2012 DA14
This asteroid, measuring about 45 meters in diameter, narrowly missed Earth in 2013. It passed closer than our geostationary satellites, making it a true near-miss. While it isn’t expected to pose a threat in the near future, the close shave was a sobering reminder of how little warning we might get if a larger asteroid were on a collision course.
21 Things Pilots Are Forbidden to Do During Flights
Have you ever wondered what rules pilots must follow while they’re in the cockpit? Being a pilot is a job that comes with a lot of responsibility and a strict set of rules to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
These rules ensure that pilots maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism while flying. By adhering to these guidelines, they help ensure that every flight reaches its destination safely.
Read More: 21 Things Pilots Are Forbidden to Do During Flights
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
