Recently, there has been this new-found curiosity among people and their interest in asteroids hitting the planet Earth. The astronomical travelers — some as big as mountains — capture both fascination and fear. There has been an increase in the number of humans who are willing to take care of themselves by coming up with their bunkers. This article goes deeper into why people are building bunkers, and what you should know about these space rocks.
1. The Asteroid Threat
Asteroids are leftover building blocks from billions of years ago from the solar system formation process. It is important to note that while most asteroids are harmless, some have harmful capabilities. Occasionally, a large-sized asteroid reaches too close to Earth for comfort.
2. The Mountain-Size Visitor
One of those asteroids, which has code name 2011 UL21 is nice and all but NASA director NEO Program called it a “Planet Killer”. The space rock, which is roughly the size of a mountain, ranks in the top 1 percent out of more than 9,000 near-Earth asteroids that have been discovered to date.
3. The Bunker Trend
Why are people digging bunkers? Here are the key reasons:
- Reason for Exile: Alarm bells will quickly sound at even the slightest hint of a cataclysmic event. Although 2011 UL21 is nothing to worry about, the notion of an asteroid “Planet Killer” hitting Earth isn’t a nice thought.
- Security: When you are in a bunker then to be landed in the safe zone. It is natural that the people want to prepare for any contingency, even if they are highly unlikely.
- MEDIA EFFECTS: News stories and movies often sensationalize asteroid impacts contributing to public interest. The more sensational the headlines are, the deeper people dig bunkers.
4. What Bunkers Offer
Bunkers can be anywhere from primitive underground shelters, to luxuriously outfitted and fully pampered with the all usable of segregating barriers. More often than not, here is what they usually offer:
- Protection: The people in bunkers are protected from the primary blast of any hit and could be covered by shock waves following it.
- Food: Bunkers are fully stocked with food, water, and essentials for isolation periods that can last as much as two years
- Mental Health: Having a safe place to go home alleviates countless fears of the worst-case scenarios.
5. The Reality Check
Yes, bunkers provide comfort but let us not lose sight of —
- Positive rare events: Catastrophic asteroid impacts are extremely unlikely. It also stands to reason that, with so many asteroids passing by Earth at such a distance that burn up without any effect on Earth or anything else in our system only further proves the theory of space being virtually empty.
- Pool table Earth: Researchers wish to drive killer meteors selfsame planetary billiards, researchers act space probes that modify the code of aimful asteroids. The odds of having to use bunkers will remain low.
While 2011 UL21 sails past Earth, let’s look around and appreciate the wonder of our cosmic backyard. So rest a little easy, but let’s not forget for one moment that the earth is very resilient. So, should you be worried about that bunker? Consider the numbers and heed our experience; Earth has survived many cosmic run-ins. Stay vigilant and stay safe, maybe catch a glimpse of the “Planet Killer” from afar!
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