The asteroid Bennu It has sparked great interest in both the scientific community and the general public due to its proximity to Earth and its potential risk of impact. With an approximate diameter of 500 meters and a mass of 74 million tons, it is one of the asteroids most closely monitored by NASA and other space agencies.
Thanks to the mission OSIRIS-REx, its orbit, composition and possible effects in the event of a collision have been studied with great precision. This article compiles all the available information about Bennu, exploring its history, characteristics and potential impact on our planet.
Size and characteristics of asteroid Bennu
Bennu is a B-type asteroid, that is, rich in carbon and organic materials. It is estimated that its formation dates back to between 700 million and 2.000 million years. Its diameter is approximately 490-500 meters and its mass is 7,3 × 10¹⁰ kg. In terms of density, it has been calculated to have a density of 1.190 kg / m³, indicating that it is a loosely compacted accumulation of debris.
One of the most interesting findings of OSIRIS-REx is that Bennu ejects small rock fragments into space spontaneously, a behavior unusual for an asteroid of its size.
To better understand the gravity of these asteroids, it is also useful to know other examples, such as the asteroid Apophis, which represents another important object of study in planetary defense and its unique characteristics.
Orbit and future trajectory
Bennu belongs to the family of Apollo asteroids, which means that its orbit crosses that of the Earth. Its orbital period is 436,6 days and is getting closer to our planet every six yearsIts perihelion (closest point to the Sun) is 0,8969 AU and its aphelion (furthest point) reaches 1,356 AU.
According to models of prediction based on OSIRIS-REx data, on September 24, 2182 It is the date with the highest probability of impact, although this is still low, approximately 0,037%. Until the year 2300, the total probability of collision is 0,057%.
Although the chances of impact are relatively low, continued monitoring of asteroids like Bennu is essential to anticipate any future threats.
Possible effects in case of impact
If Bennu were to hit Earth, the effects would depend on the speed, angle, and location of the impact. It is estimated that it would release an energy equivalent to 1.421 megatons, 28 times more that the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear explosion ever created.
The most likely effects include:
- Un impact winter with a reduction in global temperature of up to 4ºC.
- Decrease of 15% of rainfall.
- Reduced 32% of the ozone layer, increasing ultraviolet radiation.
- Descent of the 36% of terrestrial photosynthesis y 25% of the navy, affecting food production.
The magnitude of these effects underscores the importance of studying and understanding both Bennu and other asteroids that could pose a significant risk.
The OSIRIS-REx mission and its discoveries
La OSIRIS-REx mission, launched in 2016, has been key to understanding Bennu in depth. The spacecraft spent more than two years orbiting it, collecting samples and studying its composition and dynamics. To better understand the formation of these bodies, you can consult the origin of asteroids and their formation in the solar system.
In 2023, samples brought back to Earth revealed that Bennu contains carbon, water and phosphorus, key elements in the formation of life. This discovery reinforces the theory that asteroids may have been responsible for bringing the essential ingredients for life to the early Earth.
These discoveries have not only expanded our knowledge about Bennu, but also have implications for the study of other asteroids and their relationship to the origin of life on Earth.
Planetary defense and diversion possibilities
Since Bennu is one of the asteroids most likely to collide with Earth, NASA and other space agencies are developing strategies to planetary defenseNASA's DART mission has demonstrated the potential for deflecting asteroids through impact, paving the way for future solutions to mitigate potential threats. To better understand deflection strategies, you can also consult The DART mission and asteroid deflection techniques.
On the other hand, the Chinese space agency has proposed launching rockets to alter the trajectory of Bennu if necessary in the future. Monitoring and studying asteroids like Bennu is not only crucial for the safety of the planet, but also offers valuable information about the the origin y evolution of the solar systemThanks to the OSIRIS-REx mission, we know more than ever about this intriguing asteroid and its potential implications for Earth in the centuries to come.
