Huge Asteroid Approaching Earth at Rapid Pace

It is a common occurrence for asteroids to approach Earth on a daily basis, but it is important to note that there is a possibility of an asteroid colliding with our planet. NASA is currently examining an asteroid named Bennu, which has a 1 in 2700 chance of impacting Earth between 2175 and 2195. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will conduct a two-year investigation of Bennu and retrieve a sample of asteroid material from its surface to bring back to Earth. In addition to collecting a sample, OSIRIS-REx will also study how Bennu’s orbit is affected by the absorption and re-radiation of sunlight, which could potentially make its orbit more hazardous for Earth.

Additionally, NASA has also revealed details of an asteroid that will pass the planet at close range. Is there a possibility of influence? Know the details.

When will it pass Earth?

According to data released by CNEOS, the asteroid named Asteroid 2023 MU is approaching the Earth at breakneck speed and is expected to make its closest approach to the planet tomorrow, June 23.

How fast does it go?

NASA has revealed that this space rock is currently heading towards Earth at a speed of 50,305 kilometers per hour. It comes close to 7 million kilometers, and while this distance may seem large, it is a relatively small amount by astronomical distances considering the size of the asteroid.

How big is it?

NASA estimates it to be about 170 feet wide, making it almost the size of an airplane! It belongs to Apollo’s group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are Earth-passing space rocks with semi-major axes larger than Earth’s. These asteroids are named after the huge 1862 Apollo asteroid discovered by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth in the 1930s.

These close encounters with asteroids underscore the importance of continued technological advancements in asteroid detection and tracking programs to help ensure our planet’s safety from the potential impacts of these space rocks.