NASA alerts of asteroid 2022 YS5 approaching Earth on July 11.
NASA has issued a warning about an asteroid named 2022 YS5, which is hurtling towards Earth at a scarily fast speed of 20,993 kilometres per hour.
Scheduled to pass by our planet on July 11, 2024, at 13:30 UTC (7:00 PM IST), 2022 YS5 will approach within a distance of 4.2 million kilometres.
What If Asteroid 2022 YS5 Hits Earth?
If an asteroid like 2022 YS5 were to collide with Earth, the impact would depend significantly on its composition and speed.
NASA alerts of asteroid 2022 YS5 approaching Earth on July 11.
NASA has issued a warning about an asteroid named 2022 YS5, which is hurtling towards Earth at a scarily fast speed of 20,993 kilometres per hour. This asteroid, approximately 120 feet in size – about the size of a commercial airplane – belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids known for their Earth-crossing orbits.
Scheduled to pass by our planet on July 11, 2024, at 13:30 UTC (7:00 PM IST), 2022 YS5 will approach within a distance of 4.2 million kilometres. While this may seem far in astronomical terms, it's relatively close by cosmic standards.
2022 YS5: A Member of the Apollo Group
The Apollo asteroids, named after the first of their kind discovered (1862 Apollo), are characterised by orbits that can intersect with Earth's orbit. These asteroids are closely monitored due to their potential to pose a threat to our planet. The name "2022 YS5" follows the convention of naming asteroids based on the year and the sequence of discovery within that year.
What If Asteroid 2022 YS5 Hits Earth?
If an asteroid like 2022 YS5 were to collide with Earth, the impact would depend significantly on its composition and speed. Given its size and speed, such an asteroid could potentially cause localised devastation if it were to impact Earth's surface. However, the probability of a collision is currently assessed as very low, thanks to advanced tracking and monitoring technologies employed by NASA and other space agencies worldwide.
NASA and its international partners continuously monitor near-Earth asteroids to assess any potential threats they may pose in the future. Efforts are underway to develop technologies that could deflect or redirect asteroids away from Earth's path if necessary, ensuring the safety and security of our planet.
As 2022 YS5 approaches its closest point to Earth on July 11, astronomers will be keeping a close watch on its trajectory as it makes its journey through our solar system. While it poses no immediate danger, its passage serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring near-Earth objects and preparing for any future scenarios that may arise.
