In 159 years, a giant asteroid could literally DESTROY the Earth, according to experts

In exactly 159 years, the asteroid Bennu, which is 500 meters long and shaped like a “space dice”, will make an approach to Earth, reaching a proximity equivalent to less than half the distance from Earth. Moon until here.

What are the threats to Earth?

The scientists' prediction indicates a change in Earth's gravity, which will end up modifying Bennu's route. Consequently, this becomes a huge challenge to calculate exactly what your path will be.

Even given such predictions, the chances of a collision with our planet are very low, just 0.057%. Could it be, after all, that the low possibility of impacts means that there will be no effects on our planet?

(Image: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona/Reproduction)

In this sense, the NASA points out that there is a probability, albeit distant, of the giant asteroid passing through a gravitational keyhole. This could put it on a collision course with Earth in the late 22nd century.

A “gravitational keyhole” is a region of space where the gravity of a massive object, such as a planet, influences the trajectory of a smaller object, such as an asteroid.

In practice, it can be directed onto a collision course with the larger object. It is as if the smaller item passed through a “lock” in space, where the specific gravitational influence would lead it to a possible collision.

Asteroid Bennu travels at an impressive speed of 100,000 kilometers per hour. If, for some reason, it collided with Earth, the energy released would be equivalent to 70,000 atomic bombs.

This would result in the formation of a crater about three miles in diameter, according to NASA's most recent calculations.

However, as previously stated, the chances of such a shock occurring sometime before the year 2300 are extremely low, estimated at just 0.057%.

It is important to note that the critical date on which this possible crash could occur is September 24, 2182, but this is a very unlikely situation, subject to exceptional circumstances.

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