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Science / Mon, 15 Jul 2024 Times Now

NASA Alert! 220-Foot Asteroid Is Moving Towards Earth At 73055 KMPH, Is It A Threat?

Asteroid 2024 NF: Check its size, speed, distance, more by NASA. - Asteroid 2024 NJ3: Another house-sized asteroid, measuring 47 feet, will make a close approach on July 17th. - Asteroid 2024 NF : The largest of the upcoming asteroids, this 220-foot rock is as big as an aeroplane. Due to to size, the asteroid 2024 NF is not flagged as a potentially hazardous asteroid. By identifying and tracking objects like 2024 NF, NASA can develop strategies to mitigate potential threats.

Asteroid 2024 NF: Check its size, speed, distance, more by NASA. Photo : BCCL

Earth is not the only planet at risk from asteroid impacts. Other planets in our solar system, like Mars and Jupiter, also face potential collisions with space rocks. For Earth, these impacts are particularly concerning because they can threaten human life, civilization, and ecosystems. The asteroid impact around 66 million years ago, which is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, is a well-known example of such a disaster.

To prevent similar events today, NASA and other space agencies monitor these cosmic visitors. One such asteroid is heading toward Earth and will make a close approach soon.

Upcoming Asteroids - Asteroid 2024 BY15: This house-sized space rock, about 50 feet in size, will pass close to Earth at 3.85 million miles tomorrow, July 16th.

- Asteroid 2024 NJ3: Another house-sized asteroid, measuring 47 feet, will make a close approach on July 17th. It will be 0.762 miles away from Earth, roughly twice the distance between Earth and the Moon.

- Asteroid 2024 NF : The largest of the upcoming asteroids, this 220-foot rock is as big as an aeroplane. NASA's JPL data indicates it will be 3.0 million miles away from Earth on July 17th. This asteroid is classified as an Apollo near-Earth object. It is moving at 73055 KM per hour, NASA's CNEOS data revealed.

Is it potentially hazardous?

NASA constantly watch asteroids and their trajectories. The asteroid 2024 NF is one of them. The space agency classifies those near-Earth objects as potentially hazardous asteroids which come within the 4.6 millions miles of distance near Earth and have a size bigger than 150 meters. Due to to size, the asteroid 2024 NF is not flagged as a potentially hazardous asteroid. However, this doesn't make it a safe asteroid. It is crucial to keep an eye on such giant asteroids as a mere deflection in their path can lead them to swirl directly to Earth.

Why Monitoring Asteroids is Important Asteroids, like 2024 NF, are common in our solar system's dynamic environment. Many pass by Earth without incident. These asteroids offer valuable opportunities for scientific research, providing insights into the composition and history of our solar system. NASA's observation and tracking efforts help us understand these celestial visitors and prepare for any potential future impacts.

NASA's readiness to monitor and study near-Earth objects (NEOs) is crucial for planetary defense. By identifying and tracking objects like 2024 NF, NASA can develop strategies to mitigate potential threats. This effort includes international cooperation and the use of advanced technology to ensure Earth's safety.

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