Some people believe that an asteroid will bring the world to an end. With objects routinely approaching or colliding with the Earth, it does not appear to be an irrational belief. After all, we live in a solar system full of potential threats.


However, numerous studies have shown that "apocalyptic" asteroids should not cause major problems. Few have a slight possibility of colliding with Earth and are often thousands of years away from happening. Scientists keep an eye on these asteroids to ensure safety.

If you're wondering which asteroid is most likely to collide with Earth, there are two contenders: 1950 DA and Bennu.


Asteroid 1950 DA

Asteroid 1950 DA was found in 1950 but quickly disappeared. It was later observed in 2001 by scientists using high-precision radar data. They discovered Asteroid 1950 DA was 1.1 kilometers in diameter, more than 100 times larger than asteroids more likely to strike Earth.

According to the European Space Agency's Near Earth Object Coordination Center (NEOCC), Asteroid 1950 DA has a chance of striking Earth centuries from now, approximately on March 16th, 2880.


Bennu

Another probable asteroid to strike the Earth is Bennu Bennu, a top-shaped rubble pile a third of a mile wide near its equator. It was detected in September 1999 as a "possibly hazardous asteroid." 

Despite a slightly higher chance of impact, Bennu is unlikely to collide with the Earth anytime soon. All of the risk encounters will take place in the late 2100s or early 2200s. Scientists have found that the asteroid will most likely strike our planet on September 24, 2182, with a 1-in-2,700 chance of hitting the earth.


Etiamophobia is keeping Humanity Up at Night?

The fear of an asteroid colliding with the Earth and destroying life in a catastrophic event should not keep anyone awake at night. Scientists from a variety of organizations are constantly in search of potential hazards from space.


The most likely asteroid has a 1% chance of occurring and is hundreds of years away. Instead of being concerned about recent news concerning Asteroid 2022 OK5 barreling toward Earth, you might want to pay attention to the jaw-dropping photographs acquired by the James Webb Space Telescope.