'Astonishingly close': A colossal space rock could wreak havoc on Earth in 2029

Introduction

A colossal space rock that towers over the Empire State Building is hurtling towards Earth and could wreak havoc when it makes its closest approach in 2029, scientists have warned.

The Discovery

The asteroid, known as 2002 NT7, was discovered in 2002 by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) program.

It is estimated to be between 1,100 and 2,600 feet in diameter, which is about twice the size of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

Astronomers have been tracking 2002 NT7 for years, and they have calculated that it will make its closest approach to Earth on February 1, 2029.

The Risk

While the asteroid is not expected to hit Earth directly, it will pass by at a distance of just 0.0027 astronomical units (AU), which is about 250,000 miles.

This is considered to be an "astonishingly close" approach for an asteroid of this size.

If 2002 NT7 were to hit Earth, it would release the equivalent of 100 million tons of TNT and cause widespread devastation.

The Response

Scientists are still studying 2002 NT7 and trying to determine the exact risks it poses to Earth.

They are also working on developing plans to deflect the asteroid if it does appear to be on a collision course with our planet.

One possible method of deflection is to use a nuclear weapon to knock the asteroid off course.

Another possibility is to use a "gravity tractor" to slowly tug the asteroid away from Earth.

The Implications

The discovery of 2002 NT7 is a reminder that the Earth is constantly at risk from asteroid impacts.

While the chances of a catastrophic impact are small, they are not zero.

The discovery of 2002 NT7 also highlights the importance of continued research into asteroid detection and deflection technologies.