NASA traces a space rock, Asteroid 2024 AR2 travelling towards the Earth today at a blazing speed. Read further and know everything that NASA has suggested about this asteroid.
NASA Spots House-Sized Asteroid Cruising Towards the Earth at a lighting speed of 69106 kmph.
The possibility of a massive asteroid colliding with Earth, though statistically small, is a scenario that has captured the imagination of scientists and science fiction writers alike. Understanding the behavior of Apollo asteroids is crucial for developing strategies to deflect or destroy any potential Earth-bound threats. Apollo asteroids are believed to be rich in valuable minerals and resources, such as precious metals and water ice. This makes them attractive targets for future space mining ventures, potentially opening up new frontiers for human exploration and resource acquisition.
Studying Apollo asteroids can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. By analyzing their composition and structure, we can learn more about the conditions that existed during the early days of our cosmic neighborhood. Asteroid 2024 AR2 is among them, sailing towards the Earth today. Below are the facts shared by NASA’s research and study.
Asteroid 2024 AR2 Details
Asteroid 2024 AR2 is a near-Earth asteroid that is estimated to be 57 feet in diameter, which is about the size of a house. This space rock belongs to the Apollo group. It makes one orbit around the Sun in 1221 days. At this time, the asteroid moves away from the Sun at a maximum distance of 553 million kilometers and approaches it at a minimum distance of 116 million kilometers. This near-earth object, asteroid 2024 AR2 will make its closest approach to Earth today, January 12, 2024, passing at 787,000 miles. It will be cruising towards the Earth at a furious speed of 69106 kilometres per hour.
The asteroid 2024 AR2 isn’t a potentially hazardous near-Earth object. To be considered a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA), an asteroid must have its closest approach towards the Earth within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres or 19.5 times the distance to the moon) and larger than 150 meters. Asteroid 2024 AR2 is not large enough to pose a threat to Earth, even if it were to hit us due to its close approach. Astronomers will continue to track 2024 AR2 and other NEAs to better understand their orbits and potential impact risks. This information is important for developing strategies to protect Earth from future asteroid impacts.
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.
