An asteroid impact refers to the collision between an asteroid—a small rocky body from space—and a planet, moon, or other celestial object. Such impacts can have significant consequences, including the release of immense energy, which can cause widespread destruction, environmental changes, and even mass extinctions, depending on the size of the asteroid and the location of the impact. Asteroids vary in size, ranging from small boulders to large bodies several hundred kilometers in diameter. The study of asteroid impacts encompasses the analysis of historical events, such as the one believed to have contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago, as well as ongoing efforts to monitor near-Earth objects to assess potential impact threats. Understanding asteroid impacts is crucial for planetary defense and risk mitigation strategies to protect Earth from future collisions.
Asteroid 2024 YR4, potentially colliding with Earth in 2032, has a rising collision likelihood of over 2%. Estimated at 40 to 90 meters in diameter, the asteroid could cause substantial…