2149

**2149** is a notable year in both astronomical and historical contexts, primarily remembered for its association with the potential collision of the asteroid 1998 DL₁₄ with Earth. The event was first identified in 1998 by astronomers using data from the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) project. Calculations suggested that 1998 DL₁₄ had a significant chance of impacting Earth in 2149, with the closest possible approach occurring on April 17 of that year.

The probability of impact was initially estimated to be around 1 in 630, though subsequent observations and refined orbital calculations reduced this risk to nearly zero. By 2003, NASA and other space agencies confirmed that the asteroid’s trajectory was well-defined, and the likelihood of a collision was deemed extremely low. The asteroid’s size, estimated at approximately 1,300 to 2,700 feet (400 to 800 meters) across, would have had devastating consequences if it had struck Earth, potentially causing widespread destruction and global climate effects.

Beyond its astronomical significance, 2149 also marks the year when the fictionalized timeline in the *2001: A Space Odyssey* sequel, *2010: Odyssey Two*, takes place. In the film, the crew of the spaceship *Endurance* encounters a mysterious object in the outer solar system, which they later determine to be a damaged spaceship from the future. This narrative element, while speculative, adds a layer of speculative science fiction to the year’s broader cultural and scientific discussions.

While 2149 remains a point of interest for astronomers studying near-Earth objects, its real-world impact remains hypothetical, underscoring the ongoing efforts to monitor and mitigate potential threats from space.