Big Asteroid Could Collide with Earth in 2032

Lesson made on January 30, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

A large asteroid, up to 100 meters wide, has caught the attention of scientists because there is a small chance it could hit Earth in 2032. It was first seen by a telescope in Chile in December 2024. Right now, experts say there is a 1.3% chance it could collide with our planet, but a much higher chance (almost 99%) that it will just pass by safely.

The asteroid is currently moving away from Earth in almost a straight line, which makes it hard for scientists to track its exact path. However, because of the way gravity works, the asteroid’s direction will change over time as it moves through space. By watching it closely, astronomers hope to figure out exactly where it will go in the future.

If the asteroid did hit Earth, it wouldn’t be as devastating as the one that killed all the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. That asteroid was much bigger—about 10 to 15 kilometers wide—and caused massive fires, earthquakes, and a cloud of dust that blocked sunlight for years. This led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species. The asteroid being tracked now is much smaller, but it could still cause serious damage if it hit a city.

Because of this, global space agencies are working together to track it closely. If needed, they might even come up with a plan to change its direction. Scientists are racing to collect more data before the asteroid fades from view. If they can’t confirm that it will miss Earth, they will check again when it comes back into view in 2028.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Why are scientists paying close attention to this asteroid?

a) It is the largest asteroid ever discovered.
b) It could destroy the entire planet.
c) There is a small chance it could hit Earth.
d) It is moving very slowly and is easy to track.

2. Why is it important for scientists to track the asteroid now?

a) The asteroid will disappear from view soon.
b) They need to figure out how to land astronauts on it.
c) It is the only asteroid that has ever come close to Earth.
d) They want to collect pieces of it before it hits Earth.

3. What can we expect if the asteroid does hit Earth?

a) The destruction of all life on the planet.
b) All dinosaurs will be killed.
c) Serious damage, especially if it hits a city.
d) No damage, because it is too small to cause harm.

4. Which of these statements is false?

a) The asteroid was discovered in December 2024.
b) The asteroid has a 100% chance of hitting Earth.
c) Scientists are working to track the asteroid’s movement.
d) The asteroid is much smaller than the one that killed the dinosaurs.

5. How does gravity affect the asteroid’s movement?

a) It keeps the asteroid moving in a straight line forever.
b) It has no effect on the asteroid.
c) It changes the asteroid’s path over time.
d) It causes it to go towards large cities.

6. Why do scientists compare this asteroid to the one that killed the dinosaurs?

a) To show that asteroids can cause serious damage.
b) Because they are the same size.
c) Because this asteroid has already hit Earth before.
d) To prove that the dinosaurs are still alive.

7. What is the main challenge in predicting the asteroid’s path?

a) The asteroid’s path is affected by gravity, making it difficult to calculate.
b) Scientists don’t have any tools to observe it.
c) The asteroid is moving too fast to track.
d) The asteroid is getting bigger every day.

8. What might scientists do if they confirm the asteroid is heading toward Earth?

a) Ignore it because it is too small to matter.
b) Build a wall to stop it.
c) Move everyone to another planet.
d) Try to change its direction.

9. Why are space agencies around the world working together?

a) They want to mine the asteroid for valuable materials.
b) They need to create a plan in case the asteroid is on a collision course with Earth.
c) They are building a space station on the asteroid.
d) They want to send a satellite to land on the asteroid.

10. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Scientists have discovered a huge asteroid that will definitely hit Earth.
b) A newly discovered asteroid has a small chance of hitting Earth in 2032.
c) Asteroids never hit Earth, so scientists are not worried about them.
d) The asteroid will cause the same level of destruction as the one that killed the dinosaurs.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. If an asteroid was going to hit Earth in ten years, how do you think people would react? What would you do?

2. What are some movies or books about the end of the world? Do you think they are realistic?

3. If scientists found out an asteroid was coming toward Earth, do you think all countries would work together? Why or why not?

More Reading Practice:

Have any other asteroids collided with Earth?

Throughout Earth’s history, there have been several instances where asteroids have collided with the planet. These impacts have shaped the course of life on Earth, leaving behind evidence of their destructive power. One of the most well-known events occurred around 66 million years ago, when an asteroid about 10 to 15 kilometers wide struck what is now the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. This impact is believed to have caused massive fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis, and it likely played a key role in the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Another significant event occurred in 1908, when a smaller asteroid, around 50 meters wide, impacted in what is now the Tunguska region of Siberia. This explosion was powerful enough to flatten an estimated 2,000 square kilometers of forest, but it did not cause a crater, as the asteroid likely exploded in the atmosphere before reaching the ground.

In more recent times, impacts have been less dramatic but still noteworthy. In 2013, the Chelyabinsk meteor, which was about 20 meters wide, exploded over Russia, creating a shockwave that damaged over 7,000 buildings and injured over 1,500 people. Thankfully, this event occurred in a sparsely populated area, preventing more serious casualties.

Are there any movies about asteroids colliding with Earth?

Yes, there are several movies that focus on the idea of asteroids colliding with Earth. One well-known example is Armageddon (1998), in which a massive asteroid, more than 800 kilometers wide, is on a path to destroy Earth. Scientists and a team of oil drillers are sent into space to plant a bomb inside the asteroid to stop it. The movie explores themes of sacrifice, teamwork, and humanity’s struggle to survive in the face of a global disaster.

Another notable film is Deep Impact (1998), which also deals with the threat of an asteroid. In this movie, a comet is discovered to be on a collision course with Earth. The government launches a mission to destroy it before impact, but as the comet nears, humanity must prepare for the worst. The film focuses on the emotional and societal impact of such a disaster, highlighting both the individual and collective responses to an impending catastrophe.

Link: Photos of asteroids

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