It´s The End of the World as We Know It

The 2032 Meteor: A Reminder of the Fragility of Our World and a Call to Live Fully

In a world where news cycles are filled with political unrest, environmental disasters, and economic turmoil, it’s easy to forget about the larger, more existential threats to humanity. Yet, there is one looming over us that has been gaining attention in recent months: the possibility of a meteor striking Earth in 2032. While the odds of destruction are low, the idea that such a catastrophic event could occur serves as a stark reminder of our vulnerability.

With the growing attention surrounding this potential disaster, it's hard not to draw parallels to the 2021 film Don't Look Up. In this satirical film, two astronomers discover a comet heading toward Earth, only to be met with disbelief, denial, and political indifference. The film’s portrayal of society’s reaction to a world-ending threat feels eerily similar to the rhetoric we’re hearing today. So, what does this mean for us, and how should we approach the remaining time we have—whether it’s 7 years, or more—if the odds of disaster are real?

The 2032 Meteor: How Real Is the Threat?

The meteor in question is named 2023 DW and it’s been grabbing attention because of its potential to hit Earth on February 14, 2032. The odds of the meteor colliding with Earth are incredibly low—NASA estimates that the chance is about 1 in 560,000. While these odds are tiny, they are not zero, and with such a large object (the meteor is around 160 meters in diameter), its impact could have catastrophic consequences. If it were to hit, the energy released would be equivalent to hundreds of millions of tons of TNT. This would likely result in massive destruction, particularly in the area of impact, and potentially even global climate effects from the debris in the atmosphere.

While scientists are working to track the object’s path and evaluate any potential threat, there’s still no reason to panic. The likelihood of a collision remains extremely small, and much like other space threats, humanity is making strides in planetary defense. Agencies like NASA have been actively developing methods to deflect asteroids using kinetic impactors or gravity tractors, so if the threat becomes more imminent, there would likely be plans in place to try to prevent the impact.

However, just the idea of an impending catastrophe reminds us of how fragile our existence is and how unpredictable life can be. The threat itself may not be immediate, but the questions it raises about our preparedness, our tendency to ignore existential risks, and our inability to respond with urgency reflect themes explored in films like Don’t Look Up.

Don’t Look Up: A Mirror to Our Own Reality

Don’t Look Up is a dark comedy, but the political and social commentary it makes is grounded in reality. The film portrays two astronomers, Dr. Randall Mindy and Kate Dibiasky, who discover a comet on a collision course with Earth. The scientific community and the public initially dismiss the comet’s danger, and it becomes an issue of political theater. The response to the impending disaster—overshadowed by media sensationalism, misinformation, and political agendas—feels all too familiar.

While we’re not facing a comet yet, there are plenty of real-world examples of our tendency to ignore or downplay impending threats. Climate change, global pandemics, nuclear proliferation, and the looming risks of new technologies like artificial intelligence all pose threats to humanity, but how often do we prioritize these issues over the distractions of everyday life? When a significant crisis arises, it seems that we—like the characters in Don’t Look Up—may be more likely to debate, deny, or minimize the problem rather than confront it head-on.

With the meteor of 2032 on the horizon, the situation feels reminiscent of the movie’s message: a mixture of denial, inaction, and an overwhelming need to avoid thinking about the uncomfortable truth. Much like the film’s depiction of a government that is more concerned with public relations than planetary survival, we sometimes find ourselves caught in a cycle of inaction, while the world edges closer to potential disaster.

What If You Only Have 7 Years Left to Live?

While the meteor threat may seem far off, it serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the uncertainty of our futures. If we knew for certain that our time was limited, how would we spend it? What would we do with our remaining years? These are questions that we all should ask ourselves, regardless of whether or not a meteor is on a collision course.

Here are a few ways to make the most out of the time we have left, no matter how much or how little it may be:

1. Pursue What Truly Matters

Take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you—family, friends, passions, purpose. If your time were limited, would you spend it chasing material success, or would you focus on deepening relationships, giving back to your community, or working on personal growth? The clock is ticking, so prioritize what brings you fulfillment.

2. Live Without Regret

Take risks, embrace adventures, and say "yes" to experiences that push you outside of your comfort zone. Whether it's traveling to a place you've always dreamed of, learning a new skill, or reconnecting with someone important in your life, make sure you’re not living with the regret of missed opportunities.

3. Leave a Legacy

What impact do you want to leave behind? This doesn’t necessarily mean creating something monumental, but it could be as simple as leaving behind kindness, teaching others, or making the world a better place in your own way. Your legacy doesn’t have to be global—it just needs to be meaningful.

4. Find Joy in the Everyday

Sometimes, the greatest moments are found in the simplest of things. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee, a walk in the park, or a long conversation with a loved one, taking time to appreciate the small joys of life can be incredibly fulfilling. Don’t wait for a crisis to begin living fully.

5. Plan for the Unexpected

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but taking small steps to prepare for the unknown—financially, emotionally, and physically—can make a huge difference. This doesn’t mean preparing for doomsday, but rather securing your future in ways that will allow you to live freely and without regret.

6. Help Others

One of the most rewarding things we can do is to help others. Whether through volunteer work, mentorship, or simple acts of kindness, giving back not only impacts the lives of others, but it can also give us a deeper sense of purpose and connection.

Conclusion

While the odds of a meteor colliding with Earth in 2032 are incredibly small, the thought of it, along with the events in Don’t Look Up, reminds us of the broader themes of uncertainty and the need for action. Our lives are filled with unpredictable events, and it’s essential to make the most out of the time we have. Whether it’s focusing on the things that truly matter, living without regret, or helping others, it’s not the time we have, but how we spend it, that truly counts. Life is fragile, and now—more than ever—is the time to live with intention and embrace the opportunities before us.

Sources:

• NASA - Information on asteroid tracking, planetary defense, and updates regarding asteroid 2023 DW.

  • Website: www.nasa.gov

• European Space Agency (ESA) - Offers information on space exploration, asteroid monitoring, and planetary defense initiatives.

  • Website: www.esa.int

• NASA Asteroid Watch - Dedicated page for tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs) and updates about potential impact threats.

  • Website: www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/near-earth-objects

• IMDb - Information about the 2021 movie Don’t Look Up, which features a storyline about an impending comet impact.

  • Website: www.imdb.com

• The Guardian - Coverage on societal reactions to existential threats and climate change parallels, similar to themes in Don't Look Up.

  • Website: www.theguardian.com

• The Times - Articles on planetary defense, space threats, and discussions of scientific responses to potential asteroid impacts.

  • Website: www.thetimes.co.uk

• American Museum of Natural History - Educational resources on asteroids and impacts, as well as Earth’s vulnerability to space objects.

  • Website: www.amnh.org

• The Verge - Information on planetary defense initiatives, the odds of asteroid impacts, and related scientific efforts.

  • Website: www.theverge.com