Mumbai & Kolkata on Path of Asteroid Nicknamed ‘City Killer’: Reports
In a shocking revelation, reports have emerged stating that Mumbai and Kolkata, two of India’s most populous cities, could be impacted if an asteroid nicknamed ‘City Killer’ hits Earth in 2032. According to scientists, the asteroid, officially known as 2024 YR4, is predicted to pass close to Earth, with its path potentially putting these cities at risk.
The asteroid, which measures approximately 2,000 feet in diameter, is considered a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) by NASA. A PHA is an asteroid with a minimum orbit intersection distance with Earth of less than 0.05 astronomical units (AU). An astronomical unit is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
If 2024 YR4 were to hit Earth, it could trigger “severe blast damage” affecting an area of approximately 31 miles from the impact site. The impact would be catastrophic, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The asteroid’s predicted path also includes other massively populated areas, including Bogota in Colombia and Lagos in Nigeria.
The reports have sparked widespread concern and panic among residents of Mumbai and Kolkata, who are now left wondering if their cities will be affected by the asteroid in the future. The Indian government has yet to issue any official statement on the matter, but scientists are urging citizens to stay calm and rely on credible sources of information.
So, what do we know about this ‘City Killer’ asteroid? And what could happen if it were to hit Earth? Let’s break it down.
The Asteroid’s Path
According to NASA, 2024 YR4 has a highly elliptical orbit, which means it passes close to the Sun and then moves far away from it. The asteroid’s closest approach to Earth is expected to occur in 2032, when it will pass within 1.2 million miles (1.9 million kilometers) of our planet. While this may seem like a safe distance, scientists are still concerned about the potential risks it poses.
Why the Concern?
The main concern is that 2024 YR4 is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its size and the potential damage it could cause if it were to hit Earth. The asteroid’s diameter is approximately 2,000 feet, which is roughly the height of a 65-story building. If it were to hit Earth, it could release an enormous amount of energy, equivalent to 2,500 megatons of TNT, which is roughly 100 times the energy released by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
What Could Happen if it Hits?
If 2024 YR4 were to hit Earth, the impact would be catastrophic, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The impact would create a massive crater, causing seismic shockwaves and triggering massive earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The blast wave from the impact would also cause severe damage to buildings and infrastructure within a 31-mile radius of the impact site.
Mumbai and Kolkata: The Cities at Risk
Mumbai and Kolkata, two of India’s most populous cities, are currently under the predicted path of 2024 YR4. Mumbai, with a population of over 12.4 million people, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Kolkata, with a population of over 4.5 million people, is a major hub of commercial and cultural activities in eastern India.
While the chances of the asteroid hitting these cities are still uncertain, scientists are urging residents to be prepared and take necessary precautions. The Indian government has yet to issue any official statement on the matter, but scientists are urging citizens to stay calm and rely on credible sources of information.
What Can Be Done?
While the asteroid’s predicted path is still uncertain, scientists are urging governments and international organizations to take necessary precautions to mitigate the risks. Some of the measures that can be taken include:
- Monitoring the asteroid’s path and orbit: Scientists can continue to monitor the asteroid’s path and orbit to predict its trajectory and potential impact.
- Developing evacuation plans: Governments can develop evacuation plans and emergency response strategies to ensure public safety in the event of an impact.
- Conducting drills and simulations: Conducting drills and simulations can help emergency responders and citizens prepare for the worst-case scenario.
- Developing asteroid deflection strategies: Scientists are also exploring strategies to deflect the asteroid if it were to be on a collision course with Earth.
Conclusion
The revelation that Mumbai and Kolkata could be impacted by an asteroid nicknamed ‘City Killer’ has sent shockwaves across the country. While the chances of the asteroid hitting these cities are still uncertain, scientists are urging citizens to be prepared and take necessary precautions. The Indian government has yet to issue any official statement on the matter, but scientists are urging citizens to stay calm and rely on credible sources of information.
As we continue to monitor the situation, it is crucial that we take necessary steps to mitigate the risks and prepare for the worst-case scenario. By working together, we can ensure public safety and minimize the impact of this potentially catastrophic event.
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