NASA reveals that an asteroid the size of an aircraft will pass close to Earth today; Find out more information
Over the past few days, there have been multiple instances of asteroids approaching Earth closely. Just yesterday, up to four space rocks passed by the planet at a near distance. While none of them collided with the surface, their close flybys serve as a reminder of the importance of monitoring these asteroids for potential impact threats. This responsibility falls on NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which tracks Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) like asteroids and comets. Using advanced technology, NASA predicts that an asteroid the size of an aircraft will pass by Earth today, March 20. Stay informed about this upcoming close encounter.
Asteroid 2024 EY3
CNEOS has named this asteroid as Asteroid 2024 EY3. It is just one of four asteroids predicted to pass the planet today, the others being 2024 FD1, 2024 EZ3 and 2024 EQ3. During its close approach, the asteroid will pass the planet at a distance of only 4.5 million kilometers.
Currently, the asteroid is orbiting the Sun at a speed of about 41825 kilometers per hour, which is faster than an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)! The space agency has also revealed that it belongs to the group of Aten asteroids, which are 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?
Asteroid 2024 EY3 can be compared to an airplane in terms of size! NASA says it is nearly 140 feet wide. Although it will come close to the planet, it is not expected to affect the surface and cause danger to people and property.
