Mumbai & Kolkata on path of asteroid nicknamed ‘City Killer’: Reports
Asteroid 2024 YR4, also known as the “City Killer”, has been making headlines lately due to its predicted path, which allegedly puts two of India’s most populous cities, Mumbai and Kolkata, at risk. According to reports, if the asteroid were to hit Earth in 2032, it could trigger “severe blast damage” and affect an area of 31 miles from the impact site.
As per the latest updates, scientists have been tracking the asteroid’s path, and their calculations suggest that it may pass close to the Earth’s atmosphere, increasing the chances of a collision. While there is still some uncertainty about the asteroid’s trajectory, the possibility of it hitting Earth is not being ruled out entirely.
So, what does this mean for Mumbai and Kolkata? How could this asteroid impact affect these cities and their residents? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of the asteroid’s predicted path, its potential impact, and what steps are being taken to mitigate the risk.
The Asteroid’s Predicted Path
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is a relatively small asteroid, measuring about 700 meters in diameter. Its predicted path takes it close to the Earth’s atmosphere, with some scientists estimating that it could pass within 12,000 miles of the planet. While this may seem like a safe distance, experts warn that a small miscalculation or unexpected change in the asteroid’s trajectory could still lead to a catastrophic collision.
The asteroid’s path is not limited to India, with other massively populated areas on its predicted path including Bogota in Colombia and Lagos in Nigeria. The potential impact of the asteroid is not being taken lightly, with scientists warning of severe consequences if it were to hit the Earth.
The Potential Impact
If Asteroid 2024 YR4 were to hit the Earth, the consequences would be devastating. Scientists estimate that the impact would trigger “severe blast damage”, affecting an area of 31 miles from the impact site. The blast would release an enormous amount of energy, equivalent to a large nuclear bomb, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The impact zone would likely be characterized by extreme heat, shockwaves, and debris, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected areas. The aftermath of the impact would also lead to a prolonged period of darkness, as the asteroid’s debris would block out sunlight.
The cities of Mumbai and Kolkata, with their dense populations and infrastructure, would be particularly vulnerable to the asteroid’s impact. The economic and social implications would be far-reaching, with entire communities affected by the disaster.
Measures to Mitigate the Risk
While the possibility of a collision is still uncertain, scientists and governments are taking steps to mitigate the risk. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is being closely monitored, with scientists tracking its movement and making calculations to determine its trajectory.
Governments around the world, including India, are also taking steps to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Emergency response plans are being reviewed, and evacuation drills are being conducted to ensure that citizens are prepared for the eventuality.
In India, the government has set up a task force to monitor the asteroid’s movement and provide updates to the public. The task force includes scientists from various institutes, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Conclusion
The possibility of Asteroid 2024 YR4, nicknamed the “City Killer”, hitting Earth in 2032 is a serious concern, particularly for Mumbai and Kolkata. While there is still some uncertainty about the asteroid’s trajectory, the potential consequences of a collision are devastating.
It is essential that governments, scientists, and citizens work together to mitigate the risk. By monitoring the asteroid’s movement and preparing for the worst-case scenario, we can minimize the impact of a potential collision.
As the world waits with bated breath for the asteroid’s trajectory to become clearer, it is crucial that we stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure our safety.
