The Asteroid That Is Estimated To Hit The Earth is Called Bennu

Summary:

• Bennu, a carbon-rich near-Earth asteroid, attracts attention for its potential orbit collision, but the risk is minimal.

• Risk of Bennu impacting Earth is around 1 in 2,700 over the next few hundred years. No immediate danger.

• Scientists track Bennu’s trajectory and are prepared to deflect it if needed. Media hype overshadows the reality.

When an asteroid passes near Earth, it tends to get a lot of attention, including Bennu. Although it has attracted attention because of its future orbit, the truth of the matter is far more sober (and less scary) than it might appear.

What Is Bennu?

Bennu is a 500 meter-wide, carbon-rich asteroid. It is what we call a “near-Earth object” because it comes close to Earth. It’s being closely tracked because of its makeup and its distant orbit.

Why Is It Getting Attention?

Bennu has attracted international attention because its orbit has been mapped and there is a minuscule risk it may one day collide with Earth. Although this is a very small risk, it’s one of the most scrutinised asteroids.

The Actual Risk Level

Contrary to the headlines, there is a very small risk of Bennu impacting Earth. The chance is estimated to be around 1 in 2,700 over the next few hundred years. That means there’s no risk now, and very low risk.

When Could an Impact Happen?

An impact with Earth from Bennu, if it ever happened, would be a long time away. The current best estimates are of risk windows in the late 2100s, meaning they have time to study and prepare if necessary.

How Scientists Track It

The trajectories of objects such as Bennu are tracked by organisations such as NASA using powerful telescopes and spacecraft observations. Its trajectory is continually refined.

Our Close Up With It

 

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft visited and sampled Bennu. It gave scientists a better understanding of the asteroid’s characteristics.

Why Bennu Is Scientifically Important

 

Bennu is made up of organic matter from the early solar system. It offers clues about the formation of planets and, potentially, life on Earth.

Could We Stop It If Needed?

 

Yes. If Bennu was on an impact trajectory, we would have decades of warning and scientists are confident it could be deflected. We are testing missions to change an asteroid’s trajectory.

Media vs Reality

News media tend to make much of impact, but less of the improbability. Bennu is not an immediate threat, it is just one of our well-studied objects that we are preparing for.

The Bigger Picture

Bennu is not a threat – it’s a space science achievement. It demonstrates the progress we’ve made in finding, studying and potentially defending Earth from space objects.