Do you know how the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico was shaped? Around 66 million years ago, Earth was struck by an asteroid as large as a city, which released energy that sculpted the region. This event, known as the Chicxulub impact, is famously linked to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. Asteroids have the potential to cause significant damage, which is why space agencies closely monitor these celestial objects to protect Earth. While most Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) follow stable orbits and rarely come close to Earth, a few—known as potentially hazardous asteroids—are monitored due to their size and proximity. These asteroids are over 460 feet (140 meters) in diameter and orbit within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earth’s path.
Here are five asteroids considered to be among the most hazardous to our planet:
1. Bennu
Bennu, an ancient asteroid dating back 4.5 million years, is roughly the size of the Empire State Building. Discovered in 1999, it is projected to make a close approach in 2182. While a collision with Bennu could cause regional devastation and potentially millions of deaths, NASA estimates the chance of impact at just 1 in 2,700.
2. 29075
Asteroid 29075, first discovered in 1950 and rediscovered after a 50-year hiatus, is composed of iron-nickel material. It poses a significant risk, with a 1 in 34,500 chance of striking Earth. A collision could result in global devastation and potential extinction. It is expected to approach Earth in 2880.
3. 2023 TLR
Discovered in 2023, Asteroid 2023 TLR has quickly gained attention as a potentially hazardous object. It has a 1 in 81,000 chance of impacting Earth in 2119. If it were to collide with our planet, the energy released would be equivalent to detonating 7.5 billion tons of TNT.
4. 2007 FT3
Asteroid 2007 FT3 has been lost since its discovery in 2007. Scientists estimate a 1 in 10 million chance of it hitting Earth on March 3, 2030, and an even smaller probability for October 5, 2024. If it did impact, it could cause regional destruction.
5. 1979 XB
First observed in 1979, Asteroid 1979 XB has been off the radar for 40 years. It has a 1 in 1.8 million chance of striking Earth. If it were to collide, the impact would release energy equivalent to 30 billion tons of TNT, with a possible impact date of December 14, 2113.
