Massive Asteroid to Slam into Earth with the Force of 22 Atomic Bombs?

Scientists say a massive asteroid that regularly passes near Earth could potentially collide with the planet in the distant future — and the impact could be devastating.

The asteroid, known as Bennu, is considered one of the most closely monitored space objects by astronomers. Researchers say it swings near Earth roughly every six years, and current projections show a small chance that it could collide with the planet on September 24, 2182.

If that ever happened, the impact could release energy equal to about 22 atomic bombs, according to scientists studying the asteroid.

Bennu is classified as a “rubble pile” asteroid, meaning it’s made up of loose rock and debris that are loosely held together by gravity. Despite its unusual structure, it still carries enormous destructive potential.

NASA has been studying Bennu for years. In 2018, the space agency sent the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft to the asteroid to collect samples and gather critical data. Scientists hope the information collected will help them better understand how to prevent a possible future impact.

A study published in Science Advances on February 5, 2025 explored what could happen if Bennu were to strike Earth.

Lan Dai, a researcher at the IBS Center for Climate Physics and lead author of the study, used advanced computer simulations to examine the possible aftermath.

“On average, Bennu-sized asteroids strike Earth about every 100,000 to 200,000 years,” Dai told Astronomy. “Because many impact sites have been erased by geological processes over time, it’s difficult to confirm how often events like this have happened in Earth’s past.”

The team found that the most extreme scenario could send roughly 400 million tons of dust into Earth’s atmosphere.

That massive cloud of debris could block sunlight and trigger a global cooling event. Temperatures worldwide could drop by about 7 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a colder and much drier climate.

The simulations also suggested rainfall could fall by around 15 percent globally, while ozone levels might drop by as much as 32 percent. With less ozone protecting the planet, more harmful radiation from space could reach Earth’s surface.

Plant life would also struggle. Researchers estimate photosynthesis levels could drop between 20 and 30 percent, increasing the risk of major crop failures and widespread food shortages.

In short, Earth could temporarily become colder, drier, and more vulnerable — conditions that could lead to global famine.

However, scientists say the effects wouldn’t necessarily last forever.

Interestingly, Dai noted that ocean life may recover faster than plants on land.

“Instead of the rapid reduction and slow two-year recovery of plants on land, plankton in the ocean could recover within about six months and even increase afterward,” Dai explained. Iron-rich dust from the asteroid could trigger massive plankton blooms in the oceans.

Even so, researchers emphasize that the odds of Bennu actually hitting Earth remain extremely low.

And humanity would have plenty of time to prepare if the asteroid ever appeared to be on a collision course.

NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office and other international space agencies are already developing technology designed to detect and potentially deflect dangerous asteroids.

“Scientists have been working for years on asteroid detection and deflection strategies,” Dai said. “Hopefully, if Bennu were ever truly headed toward Earth, humans would be able to change its path and protect our planet.”