The impact of a asteroid like the one that hit Earth 66 million years ago it would be devastating to the human race. According to the theory, the collision of that space rock extinguished the dinosaurs. So, it is logical to ask ourselves if the same thing would happen with humans. We are prepared?
NASA is developing projects to prevent an asteroid from colliding with the planet. The mission Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was successfully executed in September 2022. A space probe crashed into Dimorphsan asteroid that did not threaten us in the slightest, but served to move the experts a little trajectory.
With this mission, the North American space agency managed to be prepared to move the trajectory of a rock that is directed towards us at full speed. However, it has happened that astronomers ignore the path of an asteroid and find out when the rock is already in our orbit.
Fortunately that has happened with small asteroids that did not cause major damage. But what would happen if the same thing happens with a rock of similar dimensions to the one that generated the Chicxulub crater (the one of the dinosaurs)?
NASA says that the human race might not go extinct, although obviously many would lose their lives. So, according to a review by Mega Newsthe space agency issues certain recommendations in these cases.
What do we do if a devastating asteroid falls on Earth?
First of all, NASA estimates that according to the probabilities, the asteroid should hit one of the oceans, because they occupy 70% of the territory of our planet. In this sense, the first recommendation is to stay away from the coastal areas.
It is also important to move away from the impact zone. Likewise, as the crash will generate an impressive extensive wave that will carry dust, debris and toxic gases with it, it is best to take shelter in underground areas.
These types of shelters are expensive and will not sustain all of humanity. Those who manage to access one of these areas, in the event of a devastating impact, will be the most likely to survive.
The chances of such an asteroid colliding with Earth are very low. But it is always necessary to be prepared for any complex situation or adversity.