2007-07-07 01:59:00 · 7 answers · asked by Billy P 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
As already stated, the size would be perhaps the major factor in damage. Also, where the strike occurs would matter. A large object striking the ocean would create tsunamis that would certianly make for a bad day along continental coastlines. The same object striking dry land could throw enough dust and debris into the sky to block out the sunlight that sustains plant growth for a very long time. 63 million years ago a big ol rock hit near Mexico and sent enough junk into the atmosphere to sufficiently decrease growing conditions that most of the large species of animals on the planet died off (thankfully!) making way for the rise of humans. So yes, an impact could lead to considerable changes on our planet - especially who lives here.
2007-07-07 02:19:53 · answer #1 · answered by JPH 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Asteroids have hit earth and the moon before, but they weren't big enough to cause any major problems. An asteroid that is too big to enter earth's atmosphere would likely destroy the planet on impact if it had enough velocity. But it would have to be pretty darn big.
2007-07-07 10:47:09 · answer #2 · answered by elisha08223 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends heavily on how large an asteroid you mean. 8 inches? 8 feet? 8 miles? Up to a certain size, asteroid impacts have little non-local effect. Beyond that size, and they start to be a serious problem. I'd be very nervous if, say, a 1,000 foot diameter asteroid was known to be headed our way.
2007-07-07 10:25:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Billy, you need to do a little research before asking such a wide-open question.
How massive is the asteroid? How fast is it travelling relative to the Earth? A head-on impact, or glancing blow, at what angle?
You seem more fascinated with the prospect of Earth's destruction. Why don't you reseach the astronomical odds of impact at all? Why don't you get to know how much mass there is out there in asteroid material?
2007-07-07 10:07:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The impact is the velocity squared times the mass.How big is the asteroid.
2007-07-07 11:12:34 · answer #5 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the size of the asteroid and where it hit
2007-07-07 09:06:59 · answer #6 · answered by coffee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on how big like miles would destroy everything
2007-07-07 09:01:28 · answer #7 · answered by wassabi47 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋