NASA has revealed that three small yet mighty space rockas are moving towards Earth at a dangerously close distance. Here is what all you need to know.
NASA’s Close Watch on Earth’s Cosmic Neighbour
Sometimes the giant size of the space rocks makes the matter of concern for scientists, while the rest of the time it is the close proximity. Three such asteroids are set to graze past Earth today with a close approach. It must be noted that there are actually six space rocks that are speeding towards Earth. However, NASA data reveals that the three of these upcoming space rocks will be within 1 million miles of distance from the Earth. From name and speed, to distance, know all the details about these upcoming asteroids.
Asteroid 2021 JW2
One of these celestial rocks dubbed Asteroid 2021 JW2 is said to be the closest. NASA says that it is a 33-foot-wide asteroid which is as big as a bus. However, it is the distance which is raising concerns. NASA’s JPL data shows that it will be just 0.387 million miles away from the Earth today. It is moving at a speed of 18332 km per hour.
Asteroid 2017 SA20 and Asteroid 2024 HQ
Another Asteroid 2017 SA20, which is 24-foot in size, is moving at a speed of 22294 km per hour. The distance will surely leave you shocked. NASA’s CNEOS data reveals that this asteroid’s Nominal distance is 0.91 million miles while its minimum distance is said to be just 0.00805 million miles.
Asteroid 2024 HQ is moving at a speed of 27029 km per hour. It is said to be just 0.19 million miles.
Are these asteroids a potential threat to Earth? Thankfully not! However, due to their close proximity, it is a matter of concern for NASA scientists.
How Do NASA Tracks Asteroids
The majority of asteroid-tracking data is gathered by observatories, with prominent ones such as Pan-STARRS, the Catalina Sky Survey, NASA’s NEOWISE mission, and the forthcoming NEO Surveyor leading the efforts. These observatories are further supported by planetary radar projects like JPL’s Goldstone Solar System Radar Group, which is instrumental in NASA’s NEO Observations Program.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
