NASA warns of an asteroid approaching Earth.
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Between August 27 and September 1, 2024, five asteroids will pass close to Earth. While none of them pose an immediate threat to the planet, their close approach provides valuable opportunities for astronomers and researchers to study them in detail. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is actively tracking these asteroids and sharing important data that helps scientists better understand the characteristics of these space rocks and their potential impact on Earth and the solar system.
Asteroid 2020 RL
The first asteroid, named 2020 RL, is expected to reach its closest point to Earth on August 27, at a distance of 4.68 million kilometers. This asteroid is about 33 meters (105 feet) in diameter, roughly the size of a modern airplane. NASA monitors these near-Earth objects to track their orbits and assess any potential hazards they may pose. By studying asteroids like 2020 RL, scientists can gain insight into the dynamics of objects within our solar system and improve our understanding of the hazards posed by these celestial bodies.
Asteroid 2021 RA10
The next asteroid, 2021 RA10, is 28 meters in diameter, roughly the size of an airplane. This asteroid will make its closest approach on August 28, passing 2.61 million kilometers from Earth. While objects of this size are common, tracking their orbits is crucial to assessing any future risks they may pose. Flybys like this allow scientists to study the characteristics and behavior of asteroids, which is essential to developing effective planetary defense strategies.
Asteroid 2012 SX49
Asteroid 2012 SX49 is about the size of a house, with a diameter of 64 feet. This asteroid will reach its closest point to Earth on August 29, at a distance of 4.29 million kilometers. Like other asteroids, 2012 SX49 will pass at a safe distance, but tracking its path helps scientists refine their predictions about future close approaches. This tracking is crucial to identifying potential threats early enough to ensure that necessary precautions can be taken.
Asteroid 2016 RJ20
The largest of the five asteroids, 2016 RJ20, is 64 meters (210 feet) in diameter, making it about as big as a commercial airliner. This asteroid will pass within 6.99 million kilometers (4.33 million miles) of Earth on August 30. Although there is no hazard associated with this asteroid, its size and proximity make it an object of great interest. Asteroids of this magnitude are fairly common, and studying them helps scientists better understand the composition and behavior of larger space rocks.
Asteroid 2021 JT
The smallest asteroid to approach Earth during this period is 2021 JT, with a diameter of about 32 feet. It will pass Earth at a distance of 6.36 million kilometers. Despite its small size, scientists continue to track it, as even smaller space rocks can provide valuable data for research.
Can asteroids destroy the Earth?
The potential damage an asteroid can cause depends largely on its size. For an asteroid to cause widespread destruction, it would have to be extremely large, comparable to the size of Earth. So far, there have been no known dangerous asteroid impacts. Most asteroids are too small to survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere and burn up before reaching the surface. Statistically, even the largest asteroids have a high probability of falling into oceans or uninhabited areas, reducing the risk of significant damage.
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