n large asteroid will pass near Earth next month, but will not hit us, reassures NASA

This giant asteroid could soon hit Earth (but the chances are very slim). It measures 4.1 kilometers and will approach Earth on April 29.

It generates special attention from astrophysicists. A particularly large asteroid called 52768 (1998 OR2) will approach Earth on April 29. With its 4.1 kilometers in diameter, it could be a real danger to humanity in the event of a collision with the planet, reports the British site Express which quotes NASA. Knowing that an asteroid more than a kilometer in diameter is enough to threaten the Earth with global destruction.

It was spotted by the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) automatic system. According to NASA, the big stone is moving towards us at a height of 8.7 kilometers per second.

1 in 50,000 chance

However, scientists estimate that such an object has a one in 50,000 chance of touching Earth every 100 years. Quoted by Express Uk, The Planetary Society, an organization that promotes space research, lists the various repercussions that a collision between the Earth and the asteroid would have: “A crater of 10 kilometers or more: global devastation and a possible collapse of the civilization “.

“Objects close to and over a kilometer away can cause worldwide damage,” adds an American institution, The National Near-Earth Object Preparedness Strategy. They can trigger earthquakes, tsunamis and other side effects that extend far beyond the immediate impact area. “

lexpress

Fatoumata

–