SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -That is about 44 times the estimated energy of the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Such an energetic impact may completely sterilize Earth, resulting in the extinction of all life on the planet.

Detailed explanation-2: -The energy released by a cosmic collision increases as the square of the incoming object’s speed, so a comet could pack nine times more destructive power than an asteroid of the same mass. The speed of comets also means that a dangerous one could be nearly upon Earth by the time scientists detect it.

Detailed explanation-3: -About once a year, an automobile-sized asteroid hits Earth’s atmosphere, creates an impressive fireball, and burns up before reaching the surface. Every 2, 000 years or so, a meteoroid the size of a football field hits Earth and causes significant damage to the area.

Detailed explanation-4: -When the 6-mile-wide asteroid that led to dinosaur extinction hit Earth 66 million years ago, the impact also triggered a “mega-earthquake” that lasted weeks to months, new evidence suggests.

Detailed explanation-5: -Scientists calculate that it was blasted into Earth by a 10-kilometer-wide asteroid or comet traveling 30 kilometers per second–150 times faster than a jet airliner.