The end of the world as we know it: Asteroid impact in next century may put a premature end to the human race – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

The end of the world as we know it: Asteroid impact in next century may put a premature end to the human race




29 Oct 2012 --- Near-Earth asteroid, computer artwork. --- Image by © Andrzej Wojcicki/Science Photo Library/Corbis

It has happened before, and it may likely happen again.

NASA scientists have said that there is a one-in-2,700 chance of an asteroid striking Earth in about 160-180 years, laying waste to civilization and bringing about a post-apocalyptic, Mad-Maxesque environment.

The asteroid in question, named ‘Bennu’ is just under 500m wide at its equator, and it’s currently hurtling through the far reaches of space at 63,000mph.

Bennu’s orbit will make it zoom in between the Earth and the Moon in 2135. A close encounter indeed in astronomical terms.

And scientists say that when Bennu’s orbit takes the rock back around our sector of the Universe, it may be on a direct collision course with Earth. If the rock does strike our planet, it will signify the end of most things.

Historical calculations state that, as an average, an asteroid of Bennu’s size will hit Earth every 130,000 years, give or take a few hundred either side. The current estimate is that the next global destruction event is due between the years 2175 and 2196.

We won’t be around to witness such event if it does come to pass, but our descendents may be in for a good ole’ fashion apocalypse.

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