They can float in space for extended periods, and when they head towards Earth, they pose a potential threat.
The asteroid 2008 XH, measuring approximately 320 feet (102.42 meters), has drawn attention due to its size and speed.
However, despite the concerns, NASA has confirmed that this asteroid does not pose a threat to Earth.
Given its size, 2008 XH does not qualify as a potentially hazardous asteroid.
NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) plays a crucial role in monitoring asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.
Asteroid
NASA has alerted the public about the 320-foot asteroid named 2008 XH, which will make its closest approach to Earth on May 31st, travelling at a speed of 52,400 kilometres per hour (approx 14 kilometres per second). This announcement comes amid reports of several asteroids moving towards Earth in the coming days.
Asteroids, typically small and rocky objects orbiting the Sun , can vary in size and composition, potentially containing elements or dust from other planets. They can float in space for extended periods, and when they head towards Earth, they pose a potential threat.
What is this Asteroid?
The asteroid 2008 XH, measuring approximately 320 feet (102.42 meters), has drawn attention due to its size and speed. However, despite the concerns, NASA has confirmed that this asteroid does not pose a threat to Earth. The asteroid will pass at a distance of 3.28 million miles from our planet. In the context of space, this is relatively close, but it is still a safe distance. NASA designates an asteroid as potentially hazardous if it exceeds 150 meters in diameter and comes within 4.6 million miles of Earth. Given its size, 2008 XH does not qualify as a potentially hazardous asteroid.
Asteroids do occasionally hit Earth, but such events are rare. Most small asteroids disintegrate in the atmosphere before reaching the surface. However, if a large asteroid, comparable in size to a skyscraper, were to impact Earth, it could cause significant destruction, potentially wiping out entire cities and causing loss of life. An example of such an event is the Chicxulub impact, which led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and numerous other species.
NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) plays a crucial role in monitoring asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth. This monitoring involves gathering data from various observatories, such as Pan-STARRS and the Catalina Sky Survey, as well as missions like NASA's NEOWISE. Future efforts will be bolstered by the NEO Surveyor mission. Additionally, planetary radar projects, including JPL's Goldstone Solar System Radar Group, are vital to NASA's Near-Earth Object Observations Program, helping to track and analyze these space rocks.
