Asteroid 2023 QD2 Rapidly Approaching Earth at an Alarming Rate!

Did you know that there are several space objects in our solar system that could pose a danger to Earth? Among them, asteroids are the most concerning. These celestial rocks orbit the Sun and their unpredictable paths can potentially threaten our planet. This is why it is crucial to closely monitor and track asteroids that come close to Earth. NASA takes on the responsibility of tracking and monitoring these asteroids to prevent any potential harm. Whenever a new Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) is spotted by NASA’s telescopes, astronomers measure its position in the sky and report the findings to the Minor Planet Center.

Now, NASA is tracking one such asteroid called Asteroid 2023 QD2, which is speeding toward Earth. Learn more about this asteroid below.

Asteroid 2023 QD2 is approaching Earth

NASA has named this upcoming asteroid 2023 QD2. This asteroid is hurtling toward Earth and is likely to approach Earth on August 29, 2023. This asteroid is the size of a house and is estimated to be 46 feet across. Asteroid 2023 QD2 belongs to the Aten family of asteroids. The Aten group of asteroids are Earth-crossing Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), whose semi-major axes are smaller than Earth’s axes. These asteroids were named after asteroid 2062 Aten. This asteroid was first discovered by American astronomer Eleanor Helin at the Palomar Observatory on January 7, 1976. Asteroid 2023 QD was first observed on August 18, 2023.

The closest approach

Asteroid 2023 QD2’s closest approach to Earth is estimated to be 0.782 million kilometers. This asteroid is moving fast towards Earth at a speed of 27970 km/h.

Is Asteroid 2023 QD a Potential Threat?

According to NASA, asteroid 2023 QD is not a potential threat to Earth, even though it will come very close to Earth. NASA calls asteroids “potentially hazardous” if they are within 7.5 million kilometers of Earth and are larger than 150 meters.