Asteroid Impact

An asteroid impact refers to the collision of an asteroid with a celestial body, most commonly Earth. Asteroids are rocky, airless remnants from the early formation of the solar system, and their impacts can have significant consequences depending on their size, speed, and the location of the collision. An asteroid impact can release enormous amounts of energy, potentially causing explosions, creating craters, and leading to environmental changes. The impact can result in various geological and atmospheric effects, including wildfires, tsunamis, and changes in climate. Large impacts have been responsible for mass extinction events in Earth’s history, such as the one that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs approximately 66 million years ago. Understanding asteroid impacts is crucial for planetary defense strategies aimed at preventing potential future threats to Earth from similar events.