Asteroids, ever looming threats, are a constant source of concern due to their potential to collide with celestial bodies like planets or moons. In a recent discovery, NASA has spotted a particularly worrisome asteroid hurtling towards Earth. Measuring a staggering 170 feet, this celestial object is set for a close encounter with our planet, prompting questions about the proximity of its approach.
Dubbed Asteroid 2024 FG by NASA, this cosmic visitor is scheduled to make its closest pass by Earth on April 7, 2024. According to NASA’s calculations, it will come within approximately 2,940,000 miles of our planet – a distance significantly closer than the Moon’s orbit, which sits around 239,000 miles away.
Understanding the trajectories of asteroids is critical due to the potential dangers they pose. Various factors influence their paths, with gravitational forces playing a key role. For example, the asteroid believed to have wiped out the dinosaurs was likely drawn towards Earth by Jupiter’s gravity from the Oort cloud, a theory suggests. This colossal asteroid was estimated to have a diameter ranging from 10 km to 15 km.
Moreover, studying asteroids offers invaluable insights into their composition. These celestial remnants provide a glimpse into the formation of the solar system billions of years ago. As pristine relics from the past, asteroids offer scientists an opportunity to study untouched material, free from the effects of weathering or external influences. This data helps unravel the mysteries surrounding the early evolution of our solar system.
Given the potential risks posed by asteroids, close monitoring is essential. To this end, NASA has deployed a network of equipment on Earth and in space to track and surveil these celestial objects meticulously.
Sources: hindustantimes.com