Impact on Valentine’s Day 2046?

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Lovers should not make plans for Valentine’s Day 2046, because they could end in disaster. At least in theory.

Asteroid 2023 DW is approaching Earth. With a size of about 50 meters, it is about the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In the event of an impact, it could destroy major cities such as Los Angeles or Washington DC.

On Tuesday, the authority confirmed on Twitter that it was observing the asteroid DW 2023. The data was collected over several weeks to accurately determine where and when the asteroid will fly toward Earth.

Only a 1 on the «Turin Scale»

At second glance, the whole thing sounds a little less worrying: the probability of an impact is “only” 1:560, but a lot higher compared to previous global asteroid warnings. The effects of the asteroid’s collision with our planet would be similar to the 12-megaton asteroid impact in Siberia 114 years ago and would cause major global destruction.

But: on the “Turin scale” 2023, DW only has the danger level 1. You should know: all other observed objects have the level zero. 1 means: “A routine new discovery for which a flyby is predicted that poses no unusual hazard.” Only from level 5 does it become “threatening”. Level 10 would be a “civilization assassin”.

Asteroid could hit major US metropolises

The last significant impact was recorded on February 15, 2013 in Chelyabinsk, in the Russian Urals. 1,600 people were injured and there was extensive damage to property. Car cameras captured video of the explosion at the time.

Where asteroid 2046 could hit Earth is not yet known. The area extends from the Indian to the Pacific Ocean and from the west to the east coast of the US. Ultimately, however, NASA releases everything. At the moment there is no need to be afraid and the analysts have the situation under control. So Valentine’s Day 2046 will most likely not end in catastrophe – at least not as seen from space. (A)

Source: Blick