NASA Scientist Shares List of Cities That Could Be Hit by Asteroid in Seven Years
A NASA scientist has released a list of cities that could be impacted if a potentially hazardous asteroid collides with Earth in seven years. The revelation has sparked concern among experts and the general public as space agencies closely monitor the trajectory of the celestial object, which has a small but significant chance of striking the planet.
The Threat of the Incoming Asteroid
According to NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, the asteroid—designated 2027X—is currently being tracked for a potential Earth impact in 2031. While the probability of collision remains low, scientists are taking the threat seriously and are actively studying potential impact locations and mitigation strategies.
The asteroid is estimated to be between 500 and 800 meters in diameter, large enough to cause widespread devastation if it were to strike a populated area. The force of impact could release energy equivalent to thousands of nuclear bombs, triggering massive destruction, fires, and even climate disruptions.
Cities at Risk
Using complex trajectory simulations and impact models, NASA has identified several major cities worldwide that could be in the potential impact zone if the asteroid’s path remains unchanged. These cities include:
- New York, USA – A direct hit on New York could devastate the entire metropolitan area, leading to massive casualties and economic collapse.
- Tokyo, Japan – With its dense population and critical infrastructure, Tokyo would face catastrophic consequences in the event of an impact.
- London, UK – The asteroid could wipe out central London, causing destruction across the entire southern region of the UK.
- Mumbai, India – Home to millions, Mumbai could experience severe devastation and loss of life.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The coastal city could face tsunami risks in addition to widespread damage from the impact itself.
While these cities are currently considered at risk, the asteroid’s trajectory could change due to gravitational influences, which means new calculations will continue to refine the potential impact zone.
Possible Mitigation Strategies
NASA and other space agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA) and SpaceX, are working on strategies to deflect or destroy the asteroid before it can reach Earth. Some of the proposed methods include:
- Kinetic Impactor – Using a spacecraft to collide with the asteroid and change its course.
- Gravity Tractor – A spacecraft that slowly alters the asteroid’s trajectory through gravitational influence.
- Nuclear Deflection – A last-resort option involving the use of nuclear explosives to break apart or redirect the asteroid.
What Happens Next?
Scientists will continue to monitor 2027X and update predictions as more data becomes available. While the chances of impact are still relatively low, preparations for planetary defense are being taken seriously. Governments and international organizations are being briefed on the latest developments to ensure emergency response plans are in place.
For now, the world watches and waits as experts race against time to prevent a potential catastrophe in 2031. More updates are expected as NASA refines its calculations and explores solutions to avert disaster.
