Title: Mumbai & Kolkata on path of asteroid nicknamed ‘City Killer’: Reports
The threat of a massive asteroid impacting Earth has sent shockwaves across the globe, with two of India’s most populous cities, Mumbai and Kolkata, being placed on high alert. According to reports, Asteroid 2024 YR4, commonly referred to as the “City Killer”, is predicted to make its closest approach to Earth in 2032, with a potential impact zone that includes the financial hub of Mumbai and the cultural capital of Kolkata. If this asteroid were to hit our planet, it could trigger “severe blast damage” and affect areas within a 31-mile radius of the impact site.
The asteroid, which is approximately 1,100 feet in diameter, is currently classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) due to its size and predicted path. According to NASA, PHAs are asteroids that are larger than 460 feet in diameter and have a minimum orbit intersection distance of 0.05 astronomical units (AU) with Earth’s orbit. One AU is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
The predicted path of Asteroid 2024 YR4 has raised concerns among scientists and government agencies alike, with many warning that it could have devastating consequences if it were to collide with our planet. The asteroid’s predicted path takes it over the Indian Ocean and into the Bay of Bengal, which could put Mumbai and Kolkata in its direct path.
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is home to over 12 million people and is a hub for business, finance, and entertainment. Kolkata, on the other hand, is the cultural capital of India and is known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. Both cities are densely populated and have a high concentration of infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and transportation systems.
If the asteroid were to hit either Mumbai or Kolkata, the impact could be catastrophic, with the potential to cause widespread destruction and loss of life. The severity of the impact would depend on several factors, including the asteroid’s size, shape, and composition, as well as its velocity and angle of impact.
In an effort to better understand the potential consequences of an asteroid impact, scientists have been studying the asteroid’s composition and behavior. According to reports, Asteroid 2024 YR4 is a stony asteroid, which is the most common type of asteroid. Stony asteroids are composed primarily of silicate rocks and metals, and are thought to be the remnants of the early solar system.
While the threat of an asteroid impact is serious, scientists are quick to point out that it is still a relatively rare occurrence. In fact, according to NASA, the chances of a large asteroid impacting Earth are about 1 in 100,000 per year. However, with the increasing frequency of asteroid discoveries and advancements in detection technology, scientists are better equipped than ever to track and predict the paths of near-Earth asteroids like Asteroid 2024 YR4.
In recent years, there have been several close calls with asteroids, including a near-miss between Earth and a 150-meter diameter asteroid in 2019. While the asteroid did not collide with our planet, it did come within a mere 45,000 kilometers of Earth, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and tracking of near-Earth asteroids.
In the event of an asteroid impact, the consequences could be severe, with potential effects including:
- Severe blast damage: The impact of the asteroid could cause severe blast damage, affecting areas within a 31-mile radius of the impact site.
- Tsunamis: If the asteroid were to enter the ocean, it could trigger a tsunami, affecting coastal areas and potentially causing widespread damage.
- Global cooling: A large asteroid impact could also cause a global cooling effect, potentially leading to a prolonged period of cold temperatures and reduced crop yields.
In response to the threat posed by Asteroid 2024 YR4, scientists and government agencies are working together to monitor the asteroid’s path and develop strategies for potential mitigation and response. While the chances of the asteroid impacting Earth are still relatively low, it is essential that we take a proactive approach to addressing this threat and ensuring the safety and well-being of our population.
As the predicted path of Asteroid 2024 YR4 takes it over India, residents of Mumbai and Kolkata are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in the event of an emergency. With continued monitoring and tracking of the asteroid, scientists and government agencies are working together to ensure the safety and security of our population.
