Mumbai & Kolkata on path of asteroid nicknamed ‘City Killer’: Reports
Asteroids have long been a source of fascination and fear for many of us. While most asteroids pass harmlessly by Earth, some pose a significant threat to our planet. One such asteroid, dubbed the “City Killer”, has been making headlines recently. According to reports, Mumbai and Kolkata, two of India’s most populous cities, are on the predicted path of this asteroid, which could have devastating consequences if it were to hit Earth in 2032.
The ‘City Killer’ Asteroid: What We Know
Asteroid 2024 YR4, also known as the “City Killer”, is a relatively small asteroid, measuring around 1,000 feet in diameter. Despite its size, scientists believe it has the potential to cause widespread destruction if it were to make landfall. The asteroid’s predicted path takes it over several major cities, including Mumbai and Kolkata in India, Bogota in Colombia, and Lagos in Nigeria.
Why is Mumbai being linked to the ‘City Killer’ asteroid?
The Indian city of Mumbai is being highlighted as a potential target of the “City Killer” asteroid due to its location. According to reports, the asteroid’s predicted path takes it over the city, which is home to over 12 million people. The impact zone, if the asteroid were to hit, could trigger “severe blast damage” affecting 31 miles from the impact site.
Other cities on the predicted path
In addition to Mumbai, several other major cities are on the predicted path of the “City Killer” asteroid. Bogota, the capital of Colombia, and Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, are also at risk. These cities are home to millions of people and could be severely impacted if the asteroid were to hit.
What would happen if the asteroid were to hit?
If the “City Killer” asteroid were to hit Earth, the consequences would be catastrophic. The impact would release an enormous amount of energy, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The blast zone, as mentioned earlier, would be affected by severe blast damage, while the surrounding areas could experience firestorms, tsunamis, and earthquakes.
What can be done to prevent a disaster?
While there is no way to completely prevent an asteroid from hitting Earth, scientists and governments are working together to track and monitor asteroids like the “City Killer”. NASA and other space agencies around the world have developed sophisticated systems to detect and track asteroids, allowing for early warnings and potential intervention.
Conclusion
The “City Killer” asteroid is a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that asteroids pose to our planet. While the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth are low, the consequences of such an event would be catastrophic. As we continue to track and monitor asteroids like the “City Killer”, it is essential that we take proactive measures to prepare for the worst-case scenario. The cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, Bogota, and Lagos, among others, are at risk, and it is crucial that we work together to mitigate the potential damage.
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