Our cosmic neighbour, asteroid 2023 XT14 is expected to be moving towards the Earth today. Read further and know everything that NASA has suggested about this asteroid.
NASA Spots Airplane-Sized Asteroid Cruising Towards the Earth at 22943 kmph.
The cosmos holds a myriad of mysteries, and among them are the captivating celestial bodies known as asteroids. Within this vast population, a specific group piques our curiosity – the Apollo asteroids. These celestial wanderers share a unique orbital dance, crossing Earth’s path and holding the potential to brush shoulders with our planet. While the vast majority of Apollo asteroids pose no immediate threat to Earth, some warrant keeping an eye on. Astronomers constantly track their orbits and assess any potential for future close encounters. This is where the field of planetary defense comes in, developing strategies to deflect or destroy any asteroids that might pose a real danger. Today, asteroid XT14, an Apollo asteroid, is sailing at a close distance towards the Earth. Should you be worried about the asteroid and its threat to the Earthling? Here are the facts shared by NASA.
Asteroid 2023 XT14 Details
Asteroid 2023 XT14 is an 85-foot airplane-sized near-Earth asteroid that belongs to the Apollo group, which are some of the most dangerous types of asteroids, as they have a relatively high chance of colliding with Earth. It makes one orbit around the Sun in 780 days. The aphelion (farthest point from the Sun) of the asteroid 2023 XT14 orbits is 349 million kilometers, and the perihelion (nearest point to the Sun) is 147 million kilometers.
The space rock will make its closest approach to Earth today, January 10, 2024, passing at a distance of 2.89 million miles. It will be cruising at a speed of 22943 kilometres per hour, NASA’s CNEOS data mentioned. According to the-sky.org, the asteroid 2023 XT14 flew past Earth today at 17:32 pm at a distance of 4.66 million kilometers at a speed of 6 kilometers per second.
Does Asteroid 2023 XT14 pose any danger?
While Asteroid 2023 XT14 is impressive in size, its safe distance from Earth ensures peace of mind. Asteroid 2023 XT14 is not currently classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid, though it serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and developing strategies to mitigate potential asteroid impacts. Organizations like NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) play a crucial role in tracking and analyzing the orbits of these objects to assess potential risks.
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.
