NASA issues sudden alert as two massive asteroids race towards Earth, on collision path
NASA has been on high alert as two massive asteroids – 2024 SD3 and 2024 SR4 – are set to pass by Earth on October 3. The asteroids are being tracked by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Here’s what we know about these asteroids
Asteroid 2024 SD3
Asteroid 2024 SD3 is 68 feet in width and is around the size of a small aeroplane. It will make a close flyby Earth at a distance of nearly 1,490,000 kilometres.
The asteroid is racing at a speed of 65,629 km/h, which is a good opportunity for NASA’s asteroid tracking teams to study space rock.
It falls under the category of “potentially hazardous” because of its velocity and size but will maintain a safe distance from Earth.
Asteroid 2024 SR4
Asteroid 2024 SR4 is a little smaller in size and measures 51 feet. It will make its closest approach to Earth on the same day and will fly at a distance of 1,670,000 kilometres. Hence, there is no threat of proximity.
The asteroid is travelling at a speed of 41,835 km/h and is being monitored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
How is NASA tracking asteroids?
NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs).
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Even though many of the NEOs don’t come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention.
Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth.
NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks.
(With inputs from agencies)
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