Asteroid Impact Energy Calculator

Estimate the kinetic energy of an asteroid impact based on its mass and velocity.

Formulas Used

The kinetic energy of an asteroid impact is calculated based on its mass and velocity, with results in joules and megatons of TNT.

  1. Kinetic Energy (Joules):

    \[ E = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \]

    Where \( m \) is the mass in kilograms, and \( v \) is the velocity in meters per second (converted from km/s by multiplying by 1000).

  2. Energy in Megatons of TNT:

    \[ E_{\text{MT}} = \frac{E}{4.184 \times 10^{15}} \]

    Converts joules to megatons of TNT, where 1 megaton of TNT ≈ 4.184 × 10^15 joules.

Example Calculations

Example 1: Small Asteroid

Inputs: Mass = 1,000,000 kg, Velocity = 20 km/s

Calculations:

  • Velocity in m/s: \[ 20 \times 1000 = 20000 \, \text{m/s} \]
  • Kinetic Energy: \[ \frac{1}{2} \times 1000000 \times (20000)^2 = 2 \times 10^{11} \, \text{J} \]
  • Energy in Megatons: \[ \frac{2 \times 10^{11}}{4.184 \times 10^{15}} \approx 0.0000478 \, \text{MT} \]

Result: Impact Energy: 2.00 × 10^11 J (0.000048 MT)

Example 2: Large Asteroid

Inputs: Mass = 1,000,000,000 kg, Velocity = 30 km/s

Calculations:

  • Velocity in m/s: \[ 30 \times 1000 = 30000 \, \text{m/s} \]
  • Kinetic Energy: \[ \frac{1}{2} \times 1000000000 \times (30000)^2 = 4.5 \times 10^{17} \, \text{J} \]
  • Energy in Megatons: \[ \frac{4.5 \times 10^{17}}{4.184 \times 10^{15}} \approx 107.55 \, \text{MT} \]

Result: Impact Energy: 4.50 × 10^17 J (107.55 MT)

Example 3: Chicxulub-Scale Asteroid

Inputs: Mass = 1,000,000,000,000 kg, Velocity = 20 km/s

Calculations:

  • Velocity in m/s: \[ 20 \times 1000 = 20000 \, \text{m/s} \]
  • Kinetic Energy: \[ \frac{1}{2} \times 1000000000000 \times (20000)^2 = 2 \times 10^{20} \, \text{J} \]
  • Energy in Megatons: \[ \frac{2 \times 10^{20}}{4.184 \times 10^{15}} \approx 47775.33 \, \text{MT} \]

Result: Impact Energy: 2.00 × 10^20 J (47775.33 MT)

How to Use the Calculator

Follow these steps to estimate asteroid impact energy:

  1. Enter Mass: Input the asteroid’s mass in kilograms (e.g., 1e9 for a billion kilograms).
  2. Enter Velocity: Input the asteroid’s velocity in kilometers per second (e.g., 20 for a typical impact speed).
  3. Calculate: Click “Calculate Impact Energy” to see the result.
  4. Interpret Result: The result shows the energy in joules and megatons of TNT. If you see “Please fill in all fields,” ensure both inputs are provided and positive.
  5. Share or Embed: Use the share buttons to post results on social media, copy the result, or get an embed code for the calculator.

Note: This calculator assumes a simple kinetic energy model. Actual impact effects depend on factors like angle, composition, and atmospheric interactions.