Recent calculations show that the Tunguska explosion in Siberia in 1908, which had an explosive power of several hundred kilotons of TNT, was probably caused by:
A)a small comet nucleus about 150 m across suddenly vaporizing in the atmosphere.
B)the impact and annihilation of a very small amount of antimatter from somewhere else in the universe.
C)a small natural nuclear explosion in uranium deposits.
D)a small stony asteroid about 80 m across disintegrating explosively in the atmosphere before hitting the ground.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Recent scientific studies support the hypothesis that the Tunguska explosion was caused by a small stony asteroid about 80 m across disintegrating explosively in the atmosphere before hitting the ground. This explanation is supported by the observed lack of a crater and the widespread distribution of debris, as well as the seismic readings and eyewitness accounts of the event.

Recent Calculations Show That the Tunguska Explosion in Siberia in 1908