Exactly how do we define a 'killer' asteroid?

Asteroids currently zipping past Earth range around one to two kilometers in size. Is this large enough to prompt the mass extinction events that have occurred periodically? Or is a larger body required?

Edited April 9, 201510 yr by Moonguy

Exactly how do we define a 'killer' asteroid?

Asteroids currently zipping past Earth range around one to two kilometers in size. Is this large enough to prompt the mass extinction events that have occurred periodically? Or is a larger body required?

Have you looked at the documentary on the topic? I watch one on that topic yesterday and it detailed the sizes and the numbers. It is an enormous problem for an object of that size is really difficult to deflect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pF9ilPFBzs "ASTEROID Will Hit Earth in near Future 2015 "Doomsday Rock" (Full Documentary)"

Geology.com has an article about it, including a handy chart.

 

http://geology.com/articles/near-earth-asteroids.shtml

 

They list Global Catastrophe at 2km. In comparison, they estimate the Chicxulub asteroid at roughly 9km.

Exactly how do we define a 'killer' asteroid?

Asteroids currently zipping past Earth range around one to two kilometers in size. Is this large enough to prompt the mass extinction events that have occurred periodically? Or is a larger body required?

Size, i.e. diameter, is just one measure of the danger. Composition/mass, speed, location of impact, and angle of entry play roles in the impact effects.

 

Lots of links at this site: >> Near Earth Object Project

 

Here's an impact calculator that lets you enter multiple parameters and read the resulting damage: >> Earth Impacts Effects Programs

Exactly how do we define a 'killer' asteroid?

Asteroids currently zipping past Earth range around one to two kilometers in size. Is this large enough to prompt the mass extinction events that have occurred periodically? Or is a larger body required?

 

It is a killer if it kills anyone. Even a little meteorite can hit someone in the head and kill them.

 

Yes 1 to 2 kilometers in size will cause some extinctions, but maybe humans would survive it, living in worse condition.

Edited May 4, 201510 yr by Airbrush