The Tunguska Mystery

On June 30, 1908, a massive explosion over the remote Tunguska region of Siberia flattened approximately 80 million trees across 2,150 square kilometers. Despite over a century of research, the exact cause remains debated.

The Explosion

Power estimated:

• 10-15 megatons TNT
• 1,000x Hiroshima bomb
• Airburst explosion
• Maximum destruction

No Crater

Strange absence:

• No impact crater found
• No fragments initially
• Airburst hypothesis
• Object exploded before impact

First Expedition

1927, Leonid Kulik:

• 19 years after event
• Found devastation
• Trees still fallen
• No crater

Scientific Consensus

Most believe:

• Small asteroid or comet
• Exploded in atmosphere
• Explains lack of crater

Significance

Tunguska significant for:

• Largest impact in recorded history
• No crater mystery
• Planetary defense awareness

Legacy

The Tunguska event remains the largest recorded cosmic impact in human history. Its mysteries continue to inspire research over a century later.