NASA reports that a 150-foot asteroid will narrowly pass by Earth today; Find out more information
In recent weeks, Earth has experienced various celestial events, including the vernal equinox and the approaching peak of solar cycle 25, resulting in heightened solar activity. Additionally, there have been several close approaches by asteroids, although they do not pose the same threat as solar storms. It is crucial to closely monitor these space rocks to anticipate any potential collision risks. NASA’s advanced technology has revealed a 150-foot asteroid expected to pass by Earth today, March 27, with a narrow margin.
Asteroid 2024 EA3
According to NASA, Asteroid 2024 EA3 is just one of millions of asteroids orbiting the Sun in the main asteroid belt, which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, or CNEOS, an organization that monitors celestial objects such as asteroids and comets, has revealed that an asteroid will pass Earth today at a distance of 3.14 million kilometers.
It orbits the Sun at a speed of about 38754 kilometers per hour, which is much faster than an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)! It is just one of two asteroids scheduled to pass Earth today, along with asteroid 2024 EL4.
Asteroid 2024 EA3 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are Earth-crossing 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.
How big is it?
Size-wise, the asteroid is nearly 150 feet across, NASA says. Thus, it can be compared to a large airplane! However, it is not expected to affect the Earth’s surface and cause damage to people or property. However, it still comes very close to the planet and is therefore designated a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA).
