Asteroids can travel at high velocities through space due to several factors, such as their initial velocities, gravitational forces, and the absence of significant atmospheric resistance.
When asteroids form or get ejected from their parent bodies (such as planets or larger asteroids), they can acquire significant initial velocities. These velocities can result from gravitational interactions, collisions, or other dynamic processes occurring in their parent system. Once in motion, asteroids continue along their trajectories due to the absence of significant external forces to slow them down.
In the vacuum of space, there is no atmosphere or air resistance to impede the motion of objects like asteroids. In the absence of air, there is no wind or drag force acting on the asteroids. This lack of resistance allows them to maintain their velocities over long distances and travel through space without significant deceleration.
As a result, asteroids can travel vast distances at high speeds until they encounter another celestial body, such as a planet or moon. When an asteroid collides with a celestial body, the tremendous amount of kinetic energy it possesses is transferred upon impact. This energy release leads to devastating consequences, including massive explosions, formation of craters, and potential damage to the impacted body.
It's important to note that not all asteroids collide with celestial bodies. The vast majority of asteroids remain in stable orbits within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter or in other regions of the solar system. However, those that do intersect with the paths of planets or moons can have significant impacts due to their high velocities and the release of energy upon collision.