Bennu asteroid could strike Earth in 2182

Scientists have recalculated the probability of asteroid Bennu colliding with Earth and assessed the possible consequences. The results are concerning—such an impact could cause global cooling and significant vegetation loss.

Bennu is estimated to have a 1 in 2700 (0.04%) chance of hitting Earth in September 2182. With a 500-meter diameter, its impact would have serious consequences.

Simulations predict that 100–400 million tons of dust would be released into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and disrupting photosynthesis. The global temperature would drop by 4°C, and precipitation levels would decrease by 15%, leading to a major global food crisis.

However, there is a silver lining: marine ecosystems would recover quickly, thanks to mineral deposits (especially iron) stimulating plankton growth.

Scientists estimate that asteroids of this size hit Earth every 100,000–200,000 years, and humanity has survived such events before. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”