Asteroid Sterilization: Size and Impact on Earth

  • Thread starter witze
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In summary, the size of an asteroid needed to sterilize the Earth would depend on its density and kinetic energy upon impact. If it was made of iron, a football field sized asteroid could potentially do it. However, even a small car traveling at 99.999% of the speed of light could disintegrate the entire planet. The defining factor is not just size, but also speed and energy.
  • #1
witze
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Killer Asteroid

Does anyone have any guesses on how big an asteroid would have to be to STERILIZE the earth?
 
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  • #2
the size would probably differ depending on where it lands if it was two big it would destroy the Earth to keep it intact probably large enough to wipe out the seas so a lot bigger than mount everist
 
  • #3
For an asteroid to destroy all plants and animals doesn’t have to be big at all. Its density would be the main factor in the final crunch. Depending on how dens and how much contacts the Earth's surface on impact. If you had an asteroid made of iron, a football field sized asteroid would probably do it.
TM
 
  • #4
threadmark said:
For an asteroid to destroy all plants and animals doesn’t have to be big at all. Its density would be the main factor in the final crunch. Depending on how dens and how much contacts the Earth's surface on impact. If you had an asteroid made of iron, a football field sized asteroid would probably do it.
TM

Yes but to sterilize the Earth implies killing all microbial life as well, I think that is a taller order.

I think kinetic energy would be the defining factor, not size. A Lumbering, slow moving rock the size of the moon may leave some of the heartiest microbes alive. However, a small car traveling at 99.999% of the speed of light would probably transfer enough energy to disintegrate the whole planet. Nothing would survive that.
 
  • #5
mrspeedybob said:
However, a small car traveling at 99.999% of the speed of light would probably transfer enough energy to disintegrate the whole planet. Nothing would survive that.

Now THAT would be the way to go...getting hit by a volkswagon at near the speed of light. I think I'd be proud.
 

What is a "Killer Astroid"?

A "Killer Astroid" is a large asteroid that has the potential to cause significant damage or destruction if it were to collide with Earth.

How big does an asteroid have to be to be considered a "Killer Astroid"?

The size of an asteroid needed to be classified as a "Killer Astroid" can vary, but it is generally considered to be at least 1 kilometer in diameter.

How often do "Killer Astroids" come close to Earth?

Thankfully, "Killer Astroids" do not come close to Earth very often. A large asteroid that could cause global damage may only pass by every few hundred thousand years.

What would happen if a "Killer Astroid" were to hit Earth?

If a "Killer Astroid" were to hit Earth, it could cause widespread destruction, including tsunamis, earthquakes, and potentially even a global extinction event.

What is being done to prevent a collision with a "Killer Astroid"?

Scientists and organizations, such as NASA, are constantly monitoring the skies for potentially dangerous asteroids and developing plans to deflect them if they are on a collision course with Earth. However, more funding and resources are needed to ensure our planet's safety in the event of a "Killer Astroid" threat.

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