Earth’s History With Asteroids
Earth has a long history of cataclysmic asteroids and meteor strikes. These world-changing events, deeply etched in our past, include the one that left the iconic Chicxulub crater in Mexico.
Source: Wikimedia
The asteroid that led to the creation of this crater smashed into our planet with such force that it ultimately wiped out the dinosaurs and forever changed the course of history on Earth.
The Universe is Full of Asteroids
Our universe is full of asteroids, and according to data, at least 31,000 known near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) of various shapes and sizes are continuously monitored by space organizations worldwide.
Source: Wikimedia
To meet the criteria necessary for classification as an NEA, an asteroid must have an orbit that brings it within around 28 million miles of Earth’s orbit.
The Potential for an Asteroid Strike
The threat of an asteroid hitting Earth has made for great Hollywood entertainment, with popular films such as “Don’t Look Up” and “Armageddon” showcasing the potential cataclysmic event.
Source: Wikimedia
Despite researchers generally agreeing that the risk of such a catastrophic event is relatively low, a recent AI simulation, according to the YouTube channel How to Survive, showcases what would happen if a meteor smashed into the surface of our planet.
One Year Before the Asteroid Hits Earth
In the lead-up to such a cataclysmic event, the asteroid heading towards Earth will likely have been spotted by astronomers around the world, who will begin sounding the alarm of impending doom.
Source: Freepik
An enormous asteroid around one kilometer in diameter is heading towards Earth from deep space. Scientists will confirm its path and begin a countdown before impact.
Shortly Before the Asteroid Hits Earth
One month before the asteroid impact, the reality of the event has likely forced governments worldwide into action. Yet, despite their greatest efforts, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to stop the impact.
Source: Wikimedia
Those living in the projected impact zone flee for their safety, triggering one of the largest excavation efforts in the world’s history. Airports will operate around the clock, and supply chains will be stretched thin.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
On the day of the strike, millions await the violent shakes that will accompany the asteroid as it strikes the surface of our planet. As it flies through the atmosphere, the NEA turns into a massive fireball before smashing into the surface of the planet.
Source: Wikimedia
The explosion produces blinding light and sends shockwaves throughout the planet as it forms a crater that measures up to 20 km (12.4 mi) wide and 1 km (.62 mi) deep.
Chances of Survival
The impact of the asteroid is equivalent to millions of atomic weapons being set off at the same time, ultimately resulting in unimaginable destruction and damage around the planet.
Source: Wikimedia
The chances of survival for those living close to the impact are low unless you’ve managed to secure shelter in a bunker. For the rest of the world, the shockwaves may destroy buildings and cause unprecedented damage to cities, leaving many cowering in basements with their survival kits.
Seven Days After Impact
For up to a week following the impact, regions around the world will experience aftershocks, and a thick, dense cloud of dust and debris will cover the sky, leaving many in total darkness.
Source: Wikimedia
The apocalyptic event will leave millions without homes, electricity, and even clean drinking water. Essentially, Earth will be plunged into a dark age.
One Month After the Asteroid Strike
One month after the initial impact, the thick cloud of dust and debris still covers the atmosphere, blocking out the sun.
Source: Wikimedia
Due to this, the world has entered an artificial winter in which food crops around the world struggle to grow and therefore die. Perishable food items have gone off; for most people, all that’s left to eat is the non-perishable canned goods saved in storage.
Six Months After Impact
Half a year into the cataclysmic event, society has begun to adapt to the new world, yet it presents challenges humans have not faced for many centuries. Refugees from regions destroyed by the impact begin arriving in new regions in search of food and water.
Source: Wikimedia
Conventional trade and commerce are non-existent for most of the world’s population, leading to a drastic surge in looting and crime. Warlords may rise in these regions. Others organize neighborhood watches in communities that lack protection.
Five Years After the Asteroid Hits Earth
Even five years after the impact, society is still struggling to adapt to the new normal. Trauma and grief associated with the event continue to affect the survivors, yet this is when a ray of hope appears in the sky. Finally, the dust and debris start to disappear in the sky, and the sun makes an appearance: a sign that it’s time to begin rebuilding our world.
Source: Wikimedia
Despite the fear of such an event occurring in the future, researchers and scientists from around the world are convinced there is no sign of an asteroid hitting Earth anytime soon. Nonetheless, it can’t hurt to be prepared for the worst-case scenario should such a cataclysmic event appear out of the blue.