Here’s what can happen to the body if a needle travelling at the speed of light hits Earth’s surface

Gajendra Pal Singh, retired physics professor from Firozabad, tells indianexpress.com, “First off, let’s get one thing straight: according to our current understanding of physics, nothing with mass can travel at the speed of light. As an object approaches light speed, its mass increases infinitely, requiring infinite energy to accelerate it further. But for the sake of this thought experiment, let’s suspend disbelief and imagine a needle somehow achieving this cosmic speed limit.”

The energy it would carry is mind-blowing, he remarks with excitement. “Even a tiny needle, let’s say 1 gram, would possess an unimaginable amount of energy at light speed. To put it in perspective, it would dwarf the energy released by the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated. We’re talking about an event on a scale that’s hard to even comprehend.”

Immediate effects would we observe if a needle were to hit the Earth at the speed of light

The immediate effects of such an impact would be catastrophic, Singh says, both at the point of contact and globally.

Point of Impact: Upon hitting the Earth, the needle wouldn’t simply pierce through; it would annihilate everything in its path. The immense energy would instantly vaporise the needle and a significant portion of the surrounding matter, creating a massive explosion and a crater potentially miles wide.

Shockwave and Seismic Activity: The impact would generate a colossal shockwave that would ripple through the Earth’s crust, triggering earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on a global scale.

Atmospheric Effects: The intense heat and energy released would vaporise vast amounts of water and other materials, creating a massive plume of dust and debris that could block out sunlight, leading to a temporary ‘nuclear winter’ with devastating consequences for the climate and ecosystems.

The explosion would release massive amounts of radiation. (Source: Freepik)

Could any form of human or planetary defense withstand the impact of an object moving at the speed of light?

Singh notes, “Currently, no known human or planetary defense system could withstand an impact from an object travelling at the speed of light. The sheer energy involved would be far beyond anything we could deflect or absorb. It would be a truly existential threat.”

Immediate and long-term impact on health

The energy released by the impact, comparable to multiple Tsar Bombas, would have immediate and long-term health implications. According to Singh, these are:

Immediate effects

Radiation Sickness: The explosion would release massive amounts of radiation, causing severe radiation sickness and death in those near the impact zone.

Burns and Injuries: The intense heat and shockwave would cause widespread burns and injuries.

Atmospheric Contamination: The release of dust and debris into the atmosphere would create a toxic environment, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues.

Long-term effects

Climate Change: The resulting ‘nuclear winter’ could disrupt global weather patterns, leading to crop failures, famine, and mass extinctions.

Cancer and Genetic Mutations: The lingering radiation could increase the risk of cancer and genetic mutations for generations to come

Ecosystem Collapse: The disruption of the food chain and environmental damage could lead to the collapse of entire ecosystems.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.