Huge asteroid to skim past Earth in 2029, potential impact equivalent to 100K Hiroshima bombs

John Perlman interviews Lerothodi Leeuw, Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of the Western Cape.

Listen below.

In 2029, an asteroid larger than the Eiffel Tower will skim past Earth, an event that scientists once feared could lead to a catastrophic collision.

Researchers now plan to closely study 99942 Apophis during its near approach to strengthen our defences against potential asteroid threats.

Leeuw explains that the size and distance of the asteroid are critical factors.

Unfortunately, for an asteroid of this magnitude, he estimates the impact could be equivalent to 100,000 Hiroshima-sized bombs.

"What makes it dangerous is if earth's gravity is strong enough to pull it into us."

- Lerothodi Leeuw, Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department –University of the Western Cape

Leeuw outlines two potential strategies for defending Earth from an asteroid:

• Deploy a nuclear bomb to the asteroid and detonate it to minimise the impact.
• Strike the asteroid with an object to alter its trajectory and deflect it from its path.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.