KaChing!

“ This simulation shows what happens when momentum is not ignored, an approach that is allowed with modern supercomputers and codes.  The same asteroid is now moving through the atmosphere at a typical impact velocity (20 km/s).  For illustration purposes, extra energy is deposited into the asteroid when it reaches 5 km, for a total of 5 megatons.  Momentum carries the hot fireball down to the surface, which enhances heat and wind effects on the ground. ” - Sandia supercomputers offer new explanation of Tunguska disaster - December 17, 2007