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Scale of the Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid- How Did Its Size Compare to Earth-

by liuqiyue

How big was the asteroid that killed dinosaurs compared to Earth?

The asteroid that is widely believed to have caused the mass extinction event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs was an enormous space rock. Its size has been a topic of much debate and scientific research over the years. Comparing its size to Earth provides a clearer understanding of the scale of this catastrophic event.

The asteroid, known as the Chicxulub impactor, is estimated to have been about 10 kilometers (6 miles) in diameter. This might not seem like a significant size when compared to the vastness of space, but when placed in the context of Earth’s dimensions, it becomes a truly awe-inspiring figure.

Earth’s diameter at the equator is approximately 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles). In comparison, the Chicxulub impactor was roughly one-hundredth the size of our planet. However, it was this relatively small space rock that had a profound impact on the planet and its inhabitants.

The asteroid’s collision with Earth is thought to have occurred around 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. The impact released an enormous amount of energy, equivalent to billions of atomic bombs. This energy caused widespread fires, tsunamis, and a global climate change that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species.

The Chicxulub impactor left behind a massive crater, now known as the Chicxulub crater, which is located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. The diameter of this crater is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles), making it one of the largest impact craters on Earth. The size of the crater is a testament to the force of the asteroid’s impact and the scale of the event.

In conclusion, the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs was a relatively small space rock when compared to Earth. However, its impact was colossal, leading to a mass extinction event that reshaped the planet and allowed for the rise of new species, including mammals and eventually, humans. The study of this asteroid and its effects on Earth provides valuable insights into the fragility of our planet and the potential dangers that exist in the cosmos.

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