The asteroid Pennu may collide with Earth

A study now shows that in the next 300 years the asteroid “Pennu” will be even more dangerous collision near Earth.

It has an average diameter of 500 meters, but weighs 60 million tons: the asteroid “Pennu” will dangerously close to Earth in the coming centuries. One Read in “Icarus” magazine Now showing: Up to 2300 years the probability of a collision with the Earth has increased. First, “Spiegel” reported on the study.

Thus, scientists predicted that “Pennu” would collide with the Earth at 1 in 1,750. The probability of an impact is still small, but previous studies have been very optimistic: previously, experts estimated the probability of a collision to be 1 in 2,700 by 2200.

“Pennu” is closer to us than the moon

Only in 2135 will risk be clearly measured. That year the asteroid crossed Earth and flew at a distance of about 380,000 kilometers. During this flight, “Pennu” will be closer to our planet than the Moon. The orbit of the earth and the associated gravitational force can change the orbit of the celestial body. It may be crucial to the question of whether its future orbit and asteroid collide with Earth.

The probability of changing the orbit of the Earth “Pennu” to impact is relatively small. However, researchers have already calculated a possible date for this: September 24, 2182. But the probability of this catastrophic situation occurring, they themselves estimate 0.037 percent.

Emergency plan

So there is no reason to be afraid. But the US space agency NASA has recognized the danger as “pennu” by asteroids near Earth. That’s why the “Osiris Rex” study was sent to the celestial body in 2016.

Scientists have long been concerned about how to prevent a catastrophe in the course of an asteroid collision. Experts believe that rockets can be used to distract an asteroid from its course. In an emergency, it may be Earth’s only chance.