The European Space Agency (ESA) monitors 1490 asteroids in its risk list. The risk of impact calculation is done through the Palermo scale. Here’s the top 5 asteroids on the ESA NEO risk list:
101955 Bennu: Only asteroid with risk of more than -2 on PS, Bennu has a diameter of 484 metres. Possible impact date is September 24, 2182. Risk level is -1.59 on Palermo Scale (PS max). Maximum impact possibility (IP max) is 1/2702.
29075 1950 DA: Only other asteroid on ‘Special Risk List’ has a massive 1.3 kms in diameter and has a risk of -2.13 on Palermo Scale. Its possible impact date is March 16, 2880 and max impact possibility is 1/51020.
(Photo: Representational)
2001 VB: With a diameter of 700 metres, this asteroid has a possible close impact date of 23 July 2023. However, it has an IP max of 1/3.56E8 and a PS max of -2.64.
(Photo: Representational)
2023JE5: A new entrant on the list, the asteroid is smaller with a 30-mtr diameter and -2.81 PS max. Its max impact possibility is 1/584 and the possible impact date is October 4 2071.
(Photo: Representational)
1979XB: With a diameter of 700 mtr, it has the 5th highest risk of impact as per the Palermo Scale. The possible time of impact is December 12 2056. Its PS max is -2.86.
(Photo: Representational)