While pondering the possibility of an asteroid strike may seem like a mere hypothetical, it’s certainly no fantasy. The Solar System has considerably calmed from earlier periods when impacts were more frequent. However, an asteroid heading directly towards Earth is not a matter of if but when. The likelihood of a meteoric impact? Not nil.
An enormous challenge lies in predicting and preparing humanity for such an event. Here’s a glaring truth that thoughts and prayers can’t easily cast aside: a humble, 500-meter-diameter asteroid can unleash a devastating 10 gigatons of energy upon Earth.
Upon striking land, the impact could carve a 9-kilometer wide and 0.7-kilometer deep crater, producing 4 cubic kilometers of ejecta. This cloud of ejecta would be propelled into the atmosphere, causing firestorms upon its descent. Were the asteroid to hit the ocean, massive tsunamis would pose a serious threat.
Such an event could potentially alter the course of human civilization forever, underscoring the reality that humanity would truly be in deep trouble. All hinges on the size of the impactor, and there are numerous asteroids more massive than 500 meters. (Conversely, there are many that are significantly smaller.)
Survivors of a massive asteroid impact would likely confront a fierce struggle for existence that rivals that of our ancient ancestors.
These concerns are no revelation to researchers who track threatening asteroids, seeking ways to not only predict an asteroid impact but also to eliminate the threat. A group of experts, including scientists and politicians, gathered for the Planetary Defence Conference 2023 to deliberate on all facets of an impending asteroid strike.
Assiduous researchers have conducted a detailed appraisal of the conference and delved further into our collective response.
Their findings are encapsulated in a paper titled “Diplomatic, geopolitical and economic consequences of an impending asteroid threat,” published in the journal Acta Astronautica. Lead author Laura Jamschon Mac Garry, who serves as a diplomat and professor at the University of Belgrano and the University del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina, conducted this analysis, which delves beyond the scientific and technological response.
According to the report, an asteroid strike with Earth is a rare event, but the resulting consequences could be catastrophic. Unlike other natural disasters, an asteroid’s approach can be detected in advance, thus enabling measured preparedness.
The core premise of the Conference revolves around a 500-meter diameter asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Dubbed the 2023 PDC, this newly discovered near-Earth asteroid was identified in January. Due to the asteroid’s orbit, early detection was complex. Assessment revealed that the likelihood of 2023 PDC striking Earth escalated, eventually pinpointing October 2036 as that fateful moment, affording humanity a 12.5-year turnaround for action.
Amidst the preparations, a looming disadvantage emerged: widespread chaos would ensue in the region of impact. The intricate planning of evacuations, the reaction of societal institutions, and the international response to shouldering responsibility all came under scrutiny.
The study has highlighted a suite of complex issues humanity would have to tackle in the face of a potential asteroid strike, delving into intricate geopolitical and societal considerations that complicate preparedness.
This isn’t merely a speculative list. It underscores the staggering complexity society would confront if an asteroid were to approach Earth.
The predominant issues discussed concern the use of a nuclear explosive device (NED). The cultural, religious, and economic ramifications arising from the use of an NED have been carefully considered.
Conclusively, humanity’s resilience is likely to be tested withstanding an asteroid’s impact. The study underscores the paramount importance of earnest preparedness, a commencement toward handling our societal and diplomatic policies with a genuine endeavor to resolve impending dilemmas.
This article was originally published by Universe Today. Read the original article.
