Impact Event
An "Impact Event" refers to a significant occurrence where an object, such as an asteroid or comet, collides with a planet or moon. These events can lead to dramatic changes in the environment, including the creation of craters and potential mass extinctions. One of the most famous impact events is the Chicxulub Crater, which is linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago.
Impact events can vary in size and frequency, with smaller impacts happening more often than larger ones. Scientists study these events to understand their effects on planetary geology and the potential risks they pose to Earth. Monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs) is crucial for assessing the likelihood of future impacts.