Francis SikukuScientists have issued a stark warning about the potential devastation if asteroid Bennu collides with Earth in 2182. Bennu, a 500-meter-wide space rock, has been closely monitored by NASA for decades due to its potential threat.
According to experts, while the chances of impact remain low—currently estimated at about 1 in 2,700—the consequences of a direct strike would be catastrophic. If Bennu were to hit, it could unleash an explosion equivalent to 1,200 megatons of TNT, causing massive destruction over a wide area.
“A Bennu impact would be far more powerful than any nuclear weapon ever detonated,” said a NASA spokesperson. “It could cause regional devastation, massive wildfires, and a global climate shift.”
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has already collected samples from Bennu, providing crucial data on its composition and trajectory. Scientists are now working on possible deflection strategies, including using spacecraft to nudge the asteroid off course long before it poses a real threat.
Although 2182 may seem distant, astronomers stress that planetary defense requires long-term planning. Efforts to develop asteroid deflection technologies, such as kinetic impactors and gravity tractors, are already underway.
While the probability of impact remains slim, scientists emphasize the need for continued monitoring and preparedness. If Bennu were ever on a direct collision course, the time to act would be decades in advance—making early detection and space defense crucial to protecting Earth’s future.
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