Mumbai & Kolkata on path of asteroid nicknamed ‘City Killer’: Reports
Reports have emerged stating that Mumbai and Kolkata, two of India’s most populous cities, could be in the crosshairs of a massive asteroid nicknamed the “City Killer”. The asteroid, known as 2024 YR4, is predicted to make a close approach to Earth in 2032, and scientists believe that if it were to hit our planet, it could trigger catastrophic damage.
According to reports, the asteroid’s predicted path takes it over the Indian subcontinent, with Mumbai and Kolkata being two of the cities that could be impacted. Other cities that are also on the predicted path include Bogota in Colombia and Lagos in Nigeria, which are also home to massive populations.
The asteroid, which is estimated to be around 1,100 feet (335 meters) in diameter, is a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) due to its size and proximity to Earth. If it were to hit our planet, scientists believe that it could trigger “severe blast damage” within a radius of 31 miles (50 kilometers) from the impact site.
The news has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with many experts warning of the potential consequences of a collision. “If the asteroid were to hit, it would be a massive disaster,” said Dr. Ashish Bagri, a renowned astrophysicist. “The impact would release an enormous amount of energy, equivalent to thousands of nuclear bombs, and would cause widespread destruction and loss of life.”
The predicted path of the asteroid was calculated using advanced computer simulations and data from NASA’s asteroid tracking systems. According to the data, the asteroid is expected to make a close approach to Earth in 2032, with the closest point being just 1.5 million miles (2.4 million kilometers) away.
While the chances of the asteroid hitting Earth are still relatively low, scientists are taking the threat seriously and are working to track the asteroid’s movements and develop a plan for potential intervention. “We are monitoring the asteroid closely and are working with international partners to determine the best course of action,” said Dr. Rakesh Sharma, a senior scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The news has also raised concerns about the preparedness of cities like Mumbai and Kolkata to respond to a disaster of this magnitude. “We need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario,” said Dr. Bagri. “Cities like Mumbai and Kolkata need to have emergency response plans in place and need to conduct regular drills and exercises to ensure that they are ready to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a disaster.”
In the meantime, scientists are urging the public to remain calm and to stay informed about the asteroid’s movements. “We understand that the news may be alarming, but we want to assure the public that we are taking the threat seriously and are working to mitigate the risk,” said Dr. Sharma.
As the world waits with bated breath to see if the “City Killer” asteroid will make a close approach to Earth in 2032, one thing is clear: the threat of asteroid impacts is a very real and pressing concern that requires immediate attention and action.
