Here's what's happening in space this week.
NASA has projected four large asteroids to make their closest approach to our planet this week. Despite being considered 'potentially hazardous objects,' the space rocks do not pose a threat to Earth.
The forecast of flybys began yesterday with the asteroid 2006 BE55, a building-sized asteroid measuring approximately 450 feet (137 meters) that came 2.2 million miles (3.6 million kilometers) from Earth.
All of the next four asteroids will make their closest approach to Earth this Friday, March 3. The largest of the group is asteroid 2007 ED125. Measuring around 700 feet (213 meters), the massive rock will reach its closest distance to Earth at 2.3 million miles (4.5 million kilometers).
Objects that measure at least 492 feet (150 meters) and approach Earth within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) are considered to be potentially hazardous by NASA. Though 2007 ED125 falls within these parameters, it will not pose any threat to Earth.
The next asteroid to zoom past our planet this Friday is 2021 QW, a 250-foot (76 meters) rock the size of a building. The closest it will come to us is 3.3 million miles (5,310,000 kilometers).
The remaining two are both considered airplane-sized by NASA's Asteroid Watch Dashboard. 2017 BM123 is 190 feet (58 meters) and will come 2.8 million miles (4,620,000 kilometers) from Earth.
2023 DX, is just 74 feet (23 meters). Among the group, this asteroid is the smallest but will come closest to Earth with a proximity of only 1.2 million miles.
With the recent buzz around flying objects and space objects like meteorites landing on Earth, you may wonder if the threat of an asteroid impact is something to be concerned about. NASA tracks Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and none are currently projected to pose any major risk to Earth.
In the event that there is an unforeseen incoming asteroid, NASA has taken steps to test if humans could change its course.
In September 2022, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission successfully smashed into an asteroid, reducing its orbit by 32 minutes.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Related
Related
