Massive asteroid impacts on Earth known so far. (Pixabay)

Space

The Most Catastrophic Asteroid Impacts in Earth’s History

Jim HendlerAugust 28, 23asteroid, NASA

Scientists have long warned us about the potential threat of asteroids approaching Earth. Occasionally, we hear about large asteroids, comparable in size to planes, coming close to our planet, but fortunately, none have collided with Earth thus far. While experts believe that there is no immediate danger of a civilization-ending asteroid impact, they acknowledge that such events are still possible. Space agencies worldwide are actively researching and identifying space rocks, as well as developing strategies to protect our planet from potential impacts. Interestingly, ancient history reveals that Earth was more…

Asteroid 2023 QD2 is hurtling towards Earth and it is likely to closely make a close approach on August 29, 2023. (Pixabay)

Space

Asteroid 2023 QD2 Rapidly Approaching Earth at an Alarming Rate!

Adarsh V.KAugust 28, 23asteroid, NASA

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…

Chandrayaan-3’s LHDAC instrument captured breathtaking snapshots of the far side of the Moon. (ISRO)

News

Chandrayaan-3 Lander Captures Image of Lunar Far Side in Preparation for Descent

Adriana MaraisAugust 21, 23asteroid, Earth, ISRO, moon

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has initiated the countdown for the touchdown of their spacecraft, Chandryaan-3. As the days dwindle to just three, excitement is mounting. The recent setback of Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft, which had a comparable objective, has shifted the focus entirely onto the Indian spacecraft. In light of the imminent touchdown, ISRO has released fresh images of the Moon’s far side, taken by the camera aboard Chandrayaan-3. Chandrayaan-3 clicks from the far side of the moon The images were taken by the spacecraft’s Lander Hazard Detection and…

The size of this asteroid is just 16 feet wide and is not big enough to become a potential threat for Earth. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA Announces Asteroid 2023 QR to Pass Close to Earth at 129,000 Miles Today

Adriana MaraisAugust 20, 23asteroid, NASA, Space

Asteroids have gained significant attention in the news since it was first suggested that one of these celestial objects caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Interestingly, asteroids are occasionally referred to as minor planets. According to NASA, asteroids are remnants from the early stages of our solar system’s formation approximately 4.6 billion years ago. These rocky formations vary in size, ranging from 530 km in diameter to as small as 10 m. Typically, asteroids are found in the main asteroid belt located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. However,…

NASA has revealed that an asteroid designated as Asteroid 2023 PM1 will be making its closest approach to the Earth soon. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA Reveals Details of Asteroid the Size of a Boeing 777 Heading Towards Earth

Adriana MaraisAugust 19, 23asteroid, NASA, Space

The Earth will always have concerns regarding asteroids, making their detection and monitoring crucial. On February 15, 2013, a meteor called the Chelyabinsk meteor exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia’s southern Urals region, causing injuries to 1,500 individuals due to shattered windows. The Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO), a division of NASA, is responsible for monitoring the skies and observing various Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). Recently, the PDCO issued a warning about an asteroid known as Asteroid 2023 PM1, which is just one of the many asteroids discovered so…

Asteroid crater of about 520 kilometres in diameter might be buried deep in southeast Australia. (Pixabay)

Space

Asteroid Crater Discovered in Australia Measuring 520 km in Diameter

Jim HendlerAugust 17, 23asteroid

The widely accepted theory suggesting that dinosaurs were wiped out by an asteroid collision on Earth 65 million years ago is well-known. The impact site, located in the Chicxulub region off the coast of Mexico, covers an impressive 93-mile area. This catastrophic event not only led to the extinction of dinosaurs but also resulted in the demise of numerous other species. However, its significance goes beyond that, as it set the stage for the emergence of mammals and ultimately paved the way for humans to dominate the planet. Recent findings…

is Jupiter the cause of asteroid strike on Earth 65 mn years ago? Here is what this expert has to say. (Pixabay)

Space

Brian Cox Claims Asteroid Impact That Wiped Out Dinosaurs 65 Million Years Ago Was Deflected by Jupiter

Febin MathewAugust 15, 23asteroid, Jupiter

There have been numerous accounts of the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago, but various theories continue to emerge, shedding new light on the event. Professor Brian Cox, a physicist, has put forth a hypothesis suggesting that Jupiter played a role in redirecting the asteroid towards Earth. Cause of asteroid hitting Earth According to Professor Cox in the video shared by @tech_topia, Jupiter has a huge mass. It has two and a half times the mass of all the other planets and moons…

The asteroid strike was massive and likely occurred on Gondwana's eastern part before its fragmentation into continents. (Pixabay)

Space

Australia Uncovers Record-Breaking Asteroid Impact Site Larger Than Chicxulub Crater

Nitin MisraAugust 15, 23asteroid, Space

In the course of Earth’s existence, it has encountered multiple occurrences of asteroids crashing into it, either hitting the surface or detonating in the atmosphere. Similar to volcanoes, these asteroid collisions are natural phenomena that have contributed to the formation of Earth’s landscape. Although the majority of these impacts involved smaller objects, there are a few that are alarmingly massive. One notable example is the Chicxulub asteroid crater, estimated to be 180 km wide, which resulted in the extinction of dinosaurs. Surprisingly, a recent study has discovered an even larger…

ESA’s tiny radar will embark on a mission to explore the depths of an asteroid, markiing a new era in space exploration. (ESA)

Space

Uncovering the Mysteries of Asteroid Cores with ESA’s Hera Mission

Jim HendlerAugust 11, 23asteroid, Space

The European Space Agency (ESA) has acquired an impressive addition for its Hera mission – a compact radar specifically designed to be installed on the Juventas CubeSat. This mini-radar is poised to achieve an extraordinary milestone by capturing images of the inner structure of an asteroid. The main objective is to focus on Asteroid Dimorphos, which is approximately the same size as the Great Pyramid and experienced a significant change in its orbit due to the impact of NASA’s DART spacecraft last year. Alain Herique, lead scientist at Grenoble Alpes…

Asteroid 2023 OE5 is expected to make its closest approach to the planet at a distance of just 960,000 kilometers. (Pixabay)

Space

NASA Unveils Details of Near-Earth Encounter with Asteroid 2023 OE5

Jim HendlerAugust 7, 23asteroid, NASA

The US space agency NASA recognizes the potential danger posed by asteroids, as they occasionally come close to Earth in their orbits. Over time, there have been various instances of asteroid impacts, including the Chelyabinsk event and the catastrophic Chicxulub asteroid, which is thought to have caused the extinction of dinosaurs. More recently, a woman in France was struck in the chest by a space rock. Dr. Kelly E. Fast from NASA provides perspective by highlighting that Earth has previously experienced asteroid impacts and believes that such occurrences will happen…

Flyeye telescope to detect dangerous asteroids rushing towards Earth. (ESA/A. Baker)

Space

ESA’s Flyeye Telescope: A Search for Bug-Eyed Asteroids

Nitin MisraAugust 1, 23asteroid

The European Space Agency is set to develop the automated Flyeye telescope in order to address the challenge of detecting celestial objects that pose a threat to Earth. With the vastness of space making this task difficult, news of massive asteroids or other near-earth objects approaching our planet has become a daily occurrence. However, this new telescope aims to enable early detection and preparation for such events. This is the first time in history that an instrument will thoroughly scan the sky and automatically detect dangerous near-Earth objects. About the…

A rare asteroid called Asteroid 2023 NE1 will make a close approach to Earth today, says NASA. (Pixabay)

Space

First-Ever Close Encounter with Rare Asteroid Today – Never to Return

Nitin MisraJuly 20, 23asteroid, asteroids, Earth, NASA

Today, on July 19, a one-of-a-kind asteroid named Asteroid 2023 NE1, measuring 190 feet in width, will have a close encounter with Earth, marking a rare occurrence. The United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has disclosed the specifics of this extraordinary space rock. Curious to learn more about the background and significance of this upcoming celestial event? Asteroid 2023 NE1 NASA has issued a warning about asteroid 2023 NE1, which will come very close to Earth today, July 19. It passes the Earth at a distance of about…

Asteroid 2023 NT1 was discovered after it had already passed the Earth. (AFP)

Space

Asteroid the Size of a Building Flies Unnoticed Until Two Days After Its Near Miss with Earth

Adriana MaraisJuly 19, 23asteroid, NASA, unites States

Surprisingly, an asteroid that posed a potential threat to our planet went unnoticed by researchers and astronomers as it passed by at an alarmingly close distance. Had circumstances been different, it could have collided with Earth. This event brings back memories of the 2013 incident in Chelyabinsk, Russia, where a massive asteroid caused damage to windows. Reportedly, asteroid 2023 NT1 was only detected two days after it had already made its closest approach to our planet on July 13. This newly discovered asteroid is estimated to be three times larger…

Asteroid 2023 MG6 rushing towards Earth, NASA warned. (AFP)

Space

Warning! NASA Telescopes Detect Gigantic 910-Foot Asteroid Approaching Earth Today

Sanjay PatilJuly 16, 23asteroid, asteroids, Earth, NASA

NASA has recently announced that a colossal asteroid, originating from the asteroid belt located between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, is currently hurtling towards Earth. This region of space is known to house a majority of asteroids, which exhibit irregular movements and rotations as they follow elliptical paths around the Sun. The gravitational force of Jupiter and occasional encounters with other celestial objects can significantly influence their orbits, causing them to be expelled from the main asteroid belt and redirected onto various trajectories. NASA telescopes have detected an asteroid…

Is there a 9th planet in our solar system? Know what researchers say. (Representative) (Unsplash)

Space

Asteroid Reveals Possible Existence of 9th Planet in Solar System

Adarsh V.KJune 18, 23asteroid, Earth, Solar System, Space

Pluto, which is widely recognized as a dwarf planet, is a celestial object that revolves around the Sun. However, it is not classified as a planet due to its failure to meet one of the three criteria used by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to categorize planets. Although Pluto satisfies most of the criteria, it falls short of being classified as a full-sized planet because it has not “cleared the neighborhood” around its orbit. The other two criteria are that it must be in orbit around the Sun and have…

A colossal 110-foot asteroid is hurtling towards Earth today, NASA warned. (Pixabay)

Space

Asteroid 2023 LV Approaching Earth at High Speed – NASA Warning

Adriana MaraisJune 18, 23asteroid, asteroids, Earth, NASA, Space

Yesterday, the asteroid 2023 LE2 came uncomfortably close to Earth and the Moon, but fortunately, it passed by safely. However, this may not always be the case as asteroids have the potential to cause immense destruction. To ensure the safety of our planet, space agencies such as NASA monitor asteroids. Although most asteroids are located in the asteroid belt, some may change their orbital paths, making their movements unpredictable due to their irregular rotation and erratic motion. The effect of Jupiter’s gravity and random interactions with other celestial bodies play…

Apollo group's Asteroid 2001 LD to have a terribly close encounter with Earth. (Pixabay)

Space

Asteroid 2001 LD to Fly By Earth at High Speed Today

Adarsh V.KJune 11, 23asteroid, NASA, Space

Cosmic enthusiasts are in for an extraordinary Sunday as Asteroid 2001 LD, a member of the Apollo group, is set to have a very close encounter with Earth. This massive celestial object, which is estimated to be as large as a football stadium at 474 meters, will pass by our planet at an incredible speed of 18952 km/s, according to spacereference.org. The velocity at which 2001 LD is travelling is astounding, especially given its enormous size. At closest, our planet and 2001 LD are separated by only 8.84 million kilometers.…

NASA has warned about a space rock that is speeding toward Earth to make an uncomfortably close approach. (AFP)

Space

NASA Data Reveals 110-Foot Asteroid Racing Towards Earth at High Speed

Adriana MaraisJune 10, 23asteroid, Earth, NASA, Space

Most asteroids originate from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, where they are displaced from their original orbit. These asteroids have an elliptical orbit and can rotate unpredictably. NASA warns that these massive rocks can collide with planets due to the gravitational forces exerted by other planets in our solar system, causing them to move towards the inner solar system, including Earth. To keep track of these hazardous asteroids, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory continuously monitors them. Currently, NASA has expressed concern about an asteroid hurtling towards Earth, and it…

Asteroid 2012 KP24 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids. (Pixabay)

Space

Asteroid 2012 KP24 is on its way to a close encounter with Earth, NASA says

Febin MathewMay 31, 23asteroid, NASA, Space

Did you know that scientists study asteroids to learn more about the early solar system and the conditions that existed when the planets formed? Asteroids can also provide valuable natural resources such as water, minerals and other minerals. One of these discoveries was made by studying an asteroid. Until now, it was believed that water has existed on Earth since ancient times. However, a recent study made a surprising discovery that challenges this idea. The study revealed that the water may have originated from asteroids. Over the past few years,…

The UAE became the first Arab country and the second country ever to successfully enter Mars’ orbit on its first try when its Hope probe reached the red planet in February 2021. (Pixabay)

Space

United Arab Emirates announced asteroid belt mission in search for evidence of life’s origins

Jim HendlerMay 31, 23asteroid, Space, UAE

The United Arab Emirates on Monday announced plans to send a spacecraft to explore the solar system’s main asteroid belt, the oil-rich nation’s latest space project since the successful launch of the Hope spacecraft to Mars in 2020. The project, called the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, aims to develop the spacecraft over the coming years and then launch it in 2028 to study various asteroids. “This mission is a follow-up and continuation of the Mars mission, as it was the first Mars flyby in the region,” said Mohsen…