Giant ‘Torino 10’ asteroid risks ‘catastrophe that may threaten civilisation’ as scientists reveal ‘close encounters’

THE SUN

POTENTIALLY dangerous asteroids shoot past Earth every year as scientists keep a close eye on them in case they veer off course.

However, the close encounters have some scientists worried that humanity is ill-prepared if a large space rock does head straight toward Earth.

According to Live Science, last year saw 122 close asteroid approaches.

In 2023, over 50 close encounters are said to have happened.

These asteroids vary in size and the speed they’re traveling, but even a small space rock could do some damage if it struck Earth.

Scientists use a scale called the Torino Impact Hazard Scale to measure how devastating an asteroid’s impact would be.

The scale ranges from zero to 10, with zero meaning there is no hazard.

An asteroid rated as a Torino 1 would be considered normal with no unusual level of danger.

Torino 2 to 4 is considering the yellow zone which would mean the asteroid merits close attention from experts and could potentially cause regional devastation.

Torino 5 to 7 is the red zone that warrants critical attention and maybe even an international contingency plan.

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