NASA Alert: Giant 160-Foot Asteroid, Comparable to Airplane, Approaching Earth Today
NASA has alerted the public to the imminent arrival of an asteroid named 2024 JY1, comparable in size to a commercial aeroplane, hurtling towards Earth at a fiery speed of 37,070 kilometres per hour. This space rock, measuring approximately 160 feet in diameter, is set to pass closest to Earth today, May 26. It falls within the classification of Apollo asteroids, a group named after 1862 Apollo, first discovered by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth in the 1930s. Despite its seemingly threatening designation, NASA assures us there’s no cause for alarm.
While the size of the asteroid may sound alarming, NASA has confirmed that 2024 JY1 will maintain a safe distance from Earth, approaching within about 4.16 million miles. To compare, this is more than 17 times the distance to the Moon. It’s important to understand that not all asteroids pose a threat, and in the case of 2024 JY1, NASA categorises it as a non-hazardous asteroid.
How Does NASA Track Asteroids?
The agency has diligently monitored the asteroid’s trajectory, gathering data from various observatories such as Pan-STARRS and the Catalina Sky Survey. Missions like NASA’s NEOWISE and the forthcoming NEO Surveyor contribute invaluable insights. Furthermore, initiatives such as planetary radar operations, like JPL’s Goldstone Solar System Radar Group, play a pivotal role in tracking these celestial objects.
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.
