2007 FT3 : The Asteroid That Will Hit Earth in 2024 And Here's What Would Happen

The discussion delves into the historical and potential future impacts of asteroids on Earth, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of significant asteroid collisions, such as the one that ended the Cretaceous Period and the Tunguska event. It focuses on the asteroid 2007 FT3, a "lost" asteroid with a slim chance of impacting Earth in October 2024. The conversation underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and advanced computational models to mitigate potential threats from near-Earth objects (NEOs). While the likelihood of a catastrophic impact remains low, vigilance and preparedness are crucial to safeguarding our planet.

• A massive asteroid, referred to as a "Planet Killer," is discussed, emphasizing its potential catastrophic impact on Earth.
• Historical context provided with the asteroid impact 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period, which led to a mass extinction.
• The asteroid that struck the Yucatan Peninsula had a diameter of tens of kilometers and an impact velocity exceeding 40,000 mph.

"With a diameter of tens of kilometers, an asteroid hit the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico with an impact velocity exceeding 40,000 mph."

• This impact created a crater about 200 km wide and released energy a billion times more than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

"The Collision that followed called the Chalub impact produced a crater about 200 km wide and released a billion times more energy than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima."

• Immediate and long-term effects included a center of superheated plasma above 10,000°C, swift annihilation of nearby life, worldwide reduction in sunlight, and prolonged global cooling.

"Producing a center of superheated plasma that was above 10,000°C, nearby life faced swift annihilation. The long-term consequences of this impact include a worldwide reduction in sunlight and a prolonged period of global cooling."

• The mass extinction event wiped out 75% of all species on Earth, including dinosaurs.

"Which contributed to a mass extinction that wiped out 75% of all species on Earth, including dinosaurs."

• Consideration of the consequences if a similar-sized asteroid were to collide with Earth in the present day, potentially leading to human extinction.

"So consider what would happen if an asteroid that size collided with Earth right now. Wouldn't that result in the extinction of humanity as we know it?"

• NASA's recent revelation about an asteroid, formerly known as "The Lost Asteroid," posing a significant risk of striking Earth in 2024.

"NASA recently revealed that an asteroid formerly known as 'The Lost Asteroid' poses a serious risk of striking with Earth in 2024."

• Questions raised about the size of this asteroid, its potential to cause human extinction, and humanity's preparedness for such a catastrophe.

"How big is this asteroid? Can it cause human extinction? Are we prepared for a catastrophe like this?"

• Earth's surface has been severely damaged by asteroidal impacts multiple times, leaving behind enormous craters.

"The surface of the blue planet has been severely damaged by asteroidal impacts on multiple occasions, leaving behind enormous craters."

• Description of impact events, where asteroids enter Earth's atmosphere and collide with the surface, releasing energy comparable to a nuclear bomb.

"When asteroids from space enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with the surface, these events are known as impact events. These impact events have the potential to release energy comparable to a nuclear bomb."

• Notable modern incident: the Tunguska event in Russia in 1908, where a 220 million pound asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere at about 53,930 kmph.

"A notable incident in modern history is the 1908 Russian event known as Tunguska. According to estimates, the 220 million pound asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere at a speed of about 53,930 kmph."

• The asteroid heated up to 2,474°C before breaking into multiple fireballs, generating enough force to destroy an estimated 80 million trees across 830 square miles (2,150 square km).

"It heated up to 2,474°C before breaking into multiple fireballs, surprisingly the explosion generated enough force to destroy an estimated 80 million trees across 830 square miles, which is 2,150 square km."

• Witnesses reported a fireball or bluish light almost as bright as the Sun, followed by a flash and a sound comparable to artillery fire.

"A fireball or bluish light almost as bright as the Sun moving across the sky was reportedly seen by witnesses. It was also reported to be followed by a flash and a sound comparable to artillery fire."

• A strong shock wave knocked people off their feet and shattered glass hundreds of miles away, with the impact visible up to 1,000 km and seismic waves detected as far as England.

"Furthermore, a strong shock wave knocked people off their feet and shattered glass hundreds of miles or kilometers away. The impact was visible from a distance of up to 1,000 km and seismic waves were detected all the way to England."

• In 2013, an approximately tennis court-sized asteroid, Chelyabinsk, struck Earth's atmosphere, traveling from Southeast to Northwest at almost 70,000 kmph.

"On the other hand, the approximately tennis court-sized asteroid Chelyabinsk struck Earth's atmosphere in 2013 as it raced from Southeast to Northwest at a speed of almost 70,000 kmph."

• This asteroid hit the city, shattering windows all around it.

"This asteroid hit the city, shattering windows all around it."

These notes provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the key themes and topics discussed in the provided transcript, including historical asteroid impacts, potential future threats, and notable modern incidents.

• Asteroids can cause significant damage upon impact with Earth, as evidenced by historical events.
• The energy released by an asteroid explosion can be equivalent to large amounts of TNT, causing widespread destruction.
• The magnitude of an asteroid is not the only factor to consider; frequency and location of impact are also crucial.

"The energy released by the asteroid when it exploded in the sky was the same as the detonation of roughly 500,000 metric tons of TNT."

• This comparison highlights the immense power of asteroid explosions, comparable to large-scale human-made explosives.

"If the full force of Tunguska had hit London, millions of people would have died and everything on the M25 would have been destroyed."

• Illustrates the potential catastrophic impact of an asteroid hitting a densely populated area.

"It is possible that the smaller, more frequent asteroids pose the true threat."

• Emphasizes the danger posed by smaller asteroids due to their higher frequency of occurrence.

• Massive asteroids are extremely rare, but their impact would be disastrous.
• Earth encounters massive asteroids approximately every 100 million years.
• Smaller meteoroids land on Earth every day, with significant objects (100 meters wide) appearing roughly every 1,000 years.

"According to astronomers, Earth should encounter one of these massive asteroids like the one that took out the dinosaurs roughly every 100 million years."

• Provides a timeline for the frequency of massive asteroid impacts.

"Millions of tiny meteoroids land on Earth every day."

• Indicates the constant presence of smaller meteoroids entering Earth's atmosphere.

"An object approximately 100 meters wide should come every 1,000 years."

• Highlights the expected frequency of significant asteroid impacts.

• Millions of rocks orbit within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, with a small number passing close to Earth.
• NEOs are asteroids that orbit within 30 million miles of Earth.
• NASA classifies certain large NEOs as potentially hazardous due to their size and proximity to Earth.

"Within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, millions of rocks orbit, although only a small number pass significantly close to Earth."

• Describes the general location and movement of asteroids in the solar system.

"Asteroids that orbit the Earth within 30 million miles are classified as near-Earth objects or NEOs."

• Defines what constitutes a near-Earth object.

"Near-Earth objects that have a diameter more than 460 feet or 140 meters and have a chance to get close to Earth within 4.65 million miles are considered potentially hazardous."

• Specifies the criteria for potentially hazardous asteroids.

• Potentially hazardous asteroids are large enough to cause massive destruction if they impact Earth.
• NASA has identified over 31,000 NEOs, with approximately 2,300 considered potentially hazardous.
• The orbits of these objects can change over millions of years due to the dynamic nature of the solar system.

"This size of asteroid can cause massive destruction and countless injuries if it were to pass through Earth's atmosphere without burning up."

• Explains the potential impact of a large asteroid on Earth.

"NASA had counted over 31,000 NEOs as of right now, approximately 2,300 of those are thought to be potentially dangerous."

• Provides current statistics on the number of identified NEOs and those considered hazardous.

"The orbits of many of these objects, which originated in the main asteroid belt, changed over the course of millions of years as the solar system changed."

• Describes the dynamic nature of asteroid orbits over time.

• Both amateur and professional astronomers actively scan the skies for moving objects.
• NASA employs spacecraft, such as NEOWISE, to observe and track asteroids from space.
• Ongoing research and observation are crucial to understanding and mitigating the threat posed by asteroids.

"All throughout the world, amateur and professional astronomers scan the skies looking for pinpricks of light moving."

• Highlights the collaborative effort in observing asteroids.

"The skies are observed from space by a spacecraft known as NEOWISE."

• Mentions the specific NASA spacecraft used for asteroid observation.

• The importance of continued research and monitoring to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

• The Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union is responsible for receiving reports from individuals who spot asteroids or comets.
• This center compiles data on all observations of small planets in the Solar System, including asteroids and comets.
• Researchers and other observatories use the gathered data to make additional observations to determine the exact orbit of an asteroid and assess any potential threat to Earth.

"The Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union receives reports from anybody who spots an asteroid or comet. This center gathers data on all observations of tiny planets in the Solar System including asteroids and comets."

• The Minor Planet Center acts as a central hub for collecting and analyzing asteroid and comet observations.

• Asteroid 2007 F3, also known as the lost asteroid, was first observed in 2007.
• It is an Apollo-class asteroid, meaning its orbit intersects with Earth's orbit.
• Tracking this asteroid has been difficult due to its deviation from its expected path and a short observation arc of about 1.2 days.
• It is termed a "lost asteroid" because it hasn't been observed for a long time since its initial discovery.

"One such asteroid is 2007 F3, also known as lost asteroid. Asteroid 2007 F3, which was first observed in 2007, is an Apollo-class asteroid, which means that its orbit intersects with that of Earth's."

• The classification of 2007 F3 as an Apollo-class asteroid indicates its orbital intersection with Earth, posing potential risks.

"Scientists were confused by this asteroid since it strayed off its path and made tracking difficult. Since its original discovery, attempts to detect it have been unsuccessful due to its short observation arc of about 1.2 days."

• The difficulty in tracking 2007 F3 is due to its unpredictable path and limited observation window.

• Despite being classified as a lost asteroid, astronomers were able to calculate its orbit and assess its potential risk to Earth.
• The asteroid was listed on NASA's Sentry risk table, which tracks objects that may impact Earth.
• 2007 F3 was identified with 89 possible impacts, one of which is projected for October 5, 2024.

"The asteroid is known as a lost asteroid since it hasn't been seen in a long time, but it was visible for long enough for astronomers to calculate its orbit and determine whether it could be a risk to Earth."

• Even with limited observation, astronomers could estimate the orbit and potential threat of 2007 F3.

"The object made its way onto NASA's Sentry risk table, a list of objects that may have an impact on Earth. Eighty-nine possible impacts are indicated by the agency for near-Earth object studies of NASA."

• The inclusion of 2007 F3 on NASA's Sentry risk table highlights its potential threat among near-Earth objects.

• 2007 F3 completes an orbit around the Sun every 439 days (approximately 1.20 years), with its orbit ranging from 0.78 AU to 1.448 AU.
• The asteroid's diameter is estimated to be between 0.266 and 0.594 km, making it larger than 90% of most asteroids but smaller than the largest ones.

"Every 439 days or 1.20 years, 2007 F3 completes an orbit around the Sun, traveling as close as 0.78 AU and as far as 1.448 AU."

• The asteroid's orbital period and distance from the Sun provide insight into its trajectory and potential encounters with Earth.

"2007 F3 is estimated to have a diameter of between 0.266 and 0.594 km based on its brightness and light reflections. This puts it larger than 90% most asteroids but smaller than huge asteroids around the size of the US Capitol."

• The size estimation of 2007 F3 underscores its significant but not extinction-level threat.

• If 2007 F3 were to strike Earth, it could release energy equivalent to 2.6 billion tons of TNT, comparable to 48 SAR bombs or 2600 megatons of TNT.
• While not large enough to cause an extinction-level event, the impact could cause severe regional damage and potentially affect worldwide climate.

"It has the potential to release as much energy as 2.6 billion tons of TNT if it were to strike Earth. That is approximately 48 SAR bombs or 2600 megatons of TNT, the greatest nuclear bomb to ever detonate."

• The potential energy release from an impact emphasizes the destructive power of 2007 F3.

"The asteroid may not be big enough to cause an extinction-level event, but it is still huge enough to do serious damage regionally and may even have worldwide climatic effects."

• The regional and possible global effects of an impact highlight the importance of monitoring such asteroids.

• The chance of 2007 F3 impacting Earth on October 5, 2024, is approximately 1 in 11.5 million.
• NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Sentry risk table continues to closely track potential collisions with Earth, indicating a minimal chance of impact over the next century.
• Continuous improvement in tracking and monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs) is essential to mitigate latent hazards.

"The chances of the asteroid slamming into Earth is around 1 in 11.5 million on the 5th of October 2024."

• The extremely low probability of impact reduces immediate concern but does not eliminate the need for vigilance.

"NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Sentry risk table has been closely tracking the expected collisions of 2007 F3 with Earth. According to the most recent calculations, there is still a minimal chance of having an impact during the next century."

• Ongoing monitoring and calculations provide reassurance but also a reminder of the importance of preparedness.

"It is important to recognize nonetheless that low probability is not equivalent to little effects. Minimizing the latent hazard posed by such NEOs requires constant improvement of tracking methods."

• The need for continuous advancements in tracking technology and methods is crucial for effective hazard mitigation.

• Objective: NASA launched a mission in December to intercept Apophis, an asteroid nicknamed the "God of Chaos."
• Timeline: Apophis will pass by Earth in 2029, at a distance of 20,000 miles.
• Visibility: It will be observable with the naked eye due to its close proximity.

"NASA launched a mission in December of last year to intercept Apophis, the asteroid nicknamed the God of Chaos."

• This quote highlights NASA's proactive approach to studying and potentially mitigating asteroid threats.

"In 2029, the enormous asteroid nearly three times the size of Mount Everest will pass by Earth at a distance of just 20,000 miles."

• This specifies the significant size of Apophis and its close approach to Earth, emphasizing the importance of monitoring such celestial bodies.

• Monitoring Methods: Advanced computational models and monitoring methods are employed.
• DART Test: NASA's successful completion of the DART test last year is a milestone in technological advancements.
• Goal: The primary aim is to reduce the possibility of asteroids striking Earth.

"Technological advancement provides a ray of hope as proven by NASA's successful completion of the DART test last year."

• This underlines the role of technological innovation in enhancing our ability to detect and potentially deflect asteroids.

• Undiscovered Celestial Bodies: Despite tracking over 30,000 asteroids, there is concern about undiscovered bodies hidden by the sun’s glare.
• Persistent Observation: NASA is dedicated to diligent observation and detection of potential cosmic threats.

"The concern about the possibility that there are still undiscovered celestial bodies hidden from view by the sun's glare is increasing."

• This highlights the ongoing challenge of identifying all potential asteroid threats.

"NASA is persistent in its dedication to diligent observation and detection, doing everything within its power to protect Earth from any potential cosmic threats."

• This emphasizes NASA's commitment to safeguarding Earth through continuous monitoring efforts.

• Historical Context: Humanity has faced similar situations before with potential asteroid threats.
• Global Awareness: The world recognizes the importance of astronomers keeping watch over asteroids.
• Preparedness: It is crucial to learn about potential asteroid impacts years in advance rather than days before.

"Humanity has confronted a situation like this before."

• This provides historical context, suggesting that asteroid threats are not a new concern.

"The entire world has come to realize how important it is that as a planet home to 7.6 billion people, astronomers keep watch of asteroids, comprehend their potential hazard, and even talk about what to do in the event that we discover one is headed directly for Earth."

• This underscores the global importance of monitoring asteroids and preparing for potential impacts.

• Non-Drastic Measures: Scientists conclude that using non-dramatic, inhuman techniques is the best approach to protect Earth.
• Orbital Adjustment: Slightly changing an asteroid's orbit can prevent it from colliding with Earth.

"Scientists have concluded that using inhuman techniques is the best approach to protect Earth from an asteroid collision."

• This indicates that scientific consensus favors non-dramatic methods for asteroid deflection.

"We can make an asteroid completely miss Earth by slightly changing its orbit."

• This highlights a practical strategy for averting potential asteroid impacts.

• Cosmic Dance: 2007 FT3 exemplifies the ongoing interactions between celestial bodies.
• Low Likelihood of Impact: While its orbit brings it close to Earth, the likelihood of a catastrophic impact is low.
• Continued Observation: Ongoing research and vigilance are crucial to accurately assess and mitigate threats.

"2007 FT3 is a prime example of the ongoing cosmic dance between celestial bodies in our solar system."

• This illustrates the dynamic nature of celestial interactions.

"While its orbit may bring it into close proximity with Earth, the likelihood of a catastrophic impact remains low."

• This reassures that immediate danger from 2007 FT3 is minimal.

"Continued observation and research are essential to accurately assess and mitigate any potential threats posed by asteroids like 2007 FT3."

• This emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts in monitoring and researching asteroids.

• Public Engagement: Encourages viewers to share their views and stay informed by subscribing to the channel.

"What do you think? What are the chances that 2007 FT3 will hit Earth? Comment down below your views about it and don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more interesting space-related content."

• This engages the audience to participate in the discussion and remain updated on space-related topics.