Heads Up, Earth! Asteroid to Buzz By on June 16th
Just after dodging a larger asteroid, Earth is about to have another close encounter with a space rock. NASA assures us there’s no need to panic – here’s what you need to know. A 90-foot-wide asteroid, named 2023 LB4 and roughly the size of an airplane, is on track to swing by Earth on June 16th. While it sounds close, at about 1.80 million miles away, this is a safe distance in astronomical terms.
This asteroid belongs to the Apollo group and has visited us before (in 2017) and is expected to return on December 30th, 2024. More importantly, NASA classifies it as non-hazardous. Potentially hazardous asteroids are much larger (over 460 feet) and come even closer (within 4.6 million miles).
How Does NASA Track Asteroids?
Keeping an eye on these space rocks is crucial. NASA uses data from observatories around the world, including contributions from dedicated amateurs. Major observatories like Pan-STARRS and NEOWISE play a big role, with upcoming missions like NEO Surveyor set to further enhance tracking capabilities.
Once an asteroid is identified, NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) takes over. Their Sentry system continuously analyzes potential future orbits, currently finding no major threats for the next century. They also have a Scout system that monitors newly discovered objects for any immediate risks.
CNEOS even leads practice drills to prepare space agencies and disaster response teams for a real asteroid impact scenario. These exercises help develop better warning systems and mitigation strategies in case we ever face a true planetary threat.
So, while another asteroid visit is on the horizon, NASA assures us it’s a safe pass. But their tireless efforts in tracking and preparing for potential future impacts give us peace of mind.
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.
