Comet Swift-Tuttle is one of the largest space objects whose paths intersect with the Earth. The length of the comet with its tail is 25 km. In 1973, astronomer Brian Mardsen predicted that one day a celestial body would crash into our planet.
The comet was originally thought to collide with Earth in 2126, triggering a catastrophic series of events that would eventually lead to worldwide mass extinctions. Further calculations determined that a collision would not happen - the comet would pass 22.5 million km from Earth. But if the "accident" happened, the consequences would be dire.
A comet passes Earth approximately every 130 years, traveling at a speed of 58 km / s, which is 150 times the speed of sound. The impact on the Earth would be 300 times stronger than the one that destroyed the dinosaurs. The collision would send dangerous amounts of sulfur oxide and carbon dioxide into the stratosphere. The influx of these gases would cause cooling of the planet and long-term warming, which would significantly change the Earth's climate. The change would lead to mass extinctions around the world. It is likely that the comet would have landed in the ocean, causing earthquakes and tsunamis rather than mass extinctions.
Astronomers say that Comet Swift-Tuttle will fly past the earth on August 5, 2126 at a distance 60 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon.
The comet leaves a reminder of its visit - the annual Perseid meteor shower, which "spills" in mid-August. The event occurs when the Earth passes through a trail of comet debris. This year's celestial show will be out of the ordinary. Typically, during Perseids activity, there are 80 visible meteors per hour, but in 2016 there will be 150-200.