NASA reveals a 60-foot asteroid will pass by Earth at a distance of 1.03 million kilometers; Learn about its approaching speed
NASA reported that up to four asteroids flew by Earth yesterday, with the largest one measuring nearly 140 feet wide, similar in size to an aircraft. These near misses by Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) highlight the ongoing risk posed by celestial bodies and emphasize the importance of tracking their paths. Utilizing its sophisticated telescopes, NASA has identified another asteroid set to pass by Earth on March 22. Stay informed about this upcoming celestial event.
Asteroid 2024 FK1: Details
According to NASA, this asteroid is just one of many in the main asteroid belt, which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, or CNEOS, has named it Asteroid 2024 FK1. It is expected to pass Earth tomorrow at a distance of 1.03 million kilometers.
The space agency also revealed that the asteroid orbits the Sun at a menacing speed of about 27,031 kilometers per hour. This is even faster than an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)!
NASA says the asteroid is part of the Aten asteroid group, which are Earth-crossing Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) with semi-major axes smaller than Earth’s. They are named after the asteroid 2062 Ate, and the first of their kind was discovered by American astronomer Eleanor Helin at the Palomar Observatory on January 7, 1976.
How big is it?
The asteroid measures nearly 60 feet across. Thus, it can be compared to a house. Although it will pass close to Earth, NASA says there is no cause for concern as it is not expected to hit Earth or cause any potential damage. However, it is still named a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) because of its proximity during its closest approach.
