In a stark warning, ISRO Chief S Somnath has highlighted the serious threat posed by asteroids, citing historical impacts and the potential devastation they could cause to Earth.

The Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of asteroids. A comet or asteroid exploded in Earth's atmosphere over Siberia's Tunguska Forest, unleashing a 12-megaton blast that flattened 80 million trees across 2,150 square kilometres. The impact's shockwave and heat travelled for kilometres.

Astronomers are now focusing on the near-Earth asteroid Apophis, measuring 370 metres in diameter. Predictions indicate that Apophis will make close approaches to Earth within decades, with encounters expected on April 13, 2029, and again in 2036. Somnath emphasised that an asteroid impact could lead to global destruction, erasing life as we know it.

"In our lifetimes of 70 to 80 years, we might not see such a tragedy, which is why we do not take it so seriously. In the history of the world and the universe, the approach of asteroids to planets and their influence are frequent occurrences. I have seen comet Shoemaker Levy hit Jupiter. If such an event were to happen on Earth, we would all be extinct," he said.

"These are real possibilities. We need to prepare ourselves. This should not happen to our Earth. The human race and all living beings must survive here. We may not be able to stop an asteroid impact, but alternative means should be adopted. There is a way to deflect asteroids. Earth-threatening objects should be identified and diverted. Sometimes these efforts may fail, so technology must evolve. We need to acquire prognostic skills and develop the ability to launch heavy instruments into space to deflect asteroids. Monitoring should be improved. Countries should work together on this," he added.