Asteroid 2011 AG5 potentially hit the Earth

On January 8, 2011 ago, astronomers discovered a new asteroid, named 2011 AG5. Through recent studies, astronomers showed that the asteroid could potentially hit the Earth.

AG5-sized asteroid 2011 is 140 meters wide. Until now, astronomers do not know the composition of this asteroid, is composed of rock, ice or metal.

Astronomers reveal that the potential asteroid impacts is 1:625. Meanwhile, the Torino scale stating potential asteroid impacts, 2011 AG15 into a scale of 10.

What is the impact if the asteroid actually hit the Earth?

Donald Yeomans, head of near-Earth object observations program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said that if it hit Earth, this asteroid has the potential to create a crater and cause a tsunami.

In an interview on the site Universe Today, Thursday (01/03/2012), Yeomans said that when it entered Earth's atmosphere, the asteroid will start to burn at an altitude of 65.5 km.

"The debris will reach the surface of the Earth's largest with a speed 2.64 km / sec. Collision energy is 7.52 x 10 ^ 15 Joules, or about 1.8 megatons," said Yeomans.

As a result of the collision, bermagnitud 4.9 earthquake could occur. The collision region can be an area of ​​1.17 x 0.824 km. There are a lot of impact craters can be formed. Be the largest crater measuring 400 meters wide.

If you are in the range distance of 10 km, a sensation like a truck hitting the building will be felt. The car will shake. In the room, cutlery and a window will shake and the walls will make a cracking sound.

"Explosion in the air with a speed of 26.3 meters per second will occur 10-30 seconds after the asteroid collision with Earth," said Yeomans told Universe Today.

Tsunamis can occur if the asteroid debris falling in the ocean. Tsunami will occur 6.18 minutes after the collision. Wave height can reach 4.78 to 9.55 meters.

Knowing the impact that may occur, astronomers Ma'rufin Sudibyo said that the energy blows up to 7 times the 2010 eruption of Merapi. Local and regional climate chaos could occur 1-2 years later.

Should the panic? Of course, not necessary.

The first reason is the time of the collision is still long. Asteroid is going to approach the Earth in 2023 and 2028. However, in 2011 a new AG5 is expected to hit Earth on February 5, 2040.

With time, efforts to deter asteroid impacts could still be pursued. one way, astronomers are developing methods to disrupt the orbits of asteroids dispel.

The second reason is the possibility of a blow can still be reduced. "Opportunity is based on predictions of 1:625 NASA data at this time. Observation is likely to further reduce the chances to zero," said Yeomans.

One more thing, the collision was not going to cause mass extinctions. So, there will be no doomsday asteroid impacts due to this, if it'll happen.

Kompas