Latest news with #2003MH4
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns! Massive Eiffel Tower-sized asteroid 2003 MH4 will fly past Earth on May 24; here's what you should know
A massive asteroid 2003 MH4 is to flyby Earth in a high-speed visit on May 24 at 4:07 PM IST. Designated 387746 (2003 MH4), the huge space rock has a diameter of about 335 meters—about the size of the Eiffel Tower—and will fly by Earth at a speed of 30,060 kilometres per hour. This flyby, although not threatening directly, has drawn considerable interest from NASA 's asteroid observation teams. The agency has classified the event as a "close encounter", highlighting the significance of continued monitoring of near-Earth objects (NEOs). Although this weekend's flyby by an asteroid poses no danger, it serves to underscore the pressing need for ongoing astronomical monitoring and planning for preparedness. With advancing technological capability, humankind's potential to find, monitor, and maybe deflect hazardous asteroids is no longer the stuff of science fiction—but an urgent task for science. Asteroid 2003 MH4 will fly past Earth on May 24 Asteroid 387746 (2003 MH4) is a member of the Apollo group, which are objects whose orbits cross the path of Earth as it orbits the Sun. Although enormous in size and close during the flyby, the asteroid will pass by safely at a distance of 6.67 million kilometers—about 17 times Earth-Moon distance. Though that might be far off in day-to-day terms, such a path is within the bounds that make an object a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). NASA defines any asteroid above 140 meters and approaching within 7.5 million kilometresof Earth as potentially hazardous because of the long-term gravitational effects it would need to change its course. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 입꼬리 올리는 여름, 인천에서 33만원 임플란트 만나보세요 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo NASA urges continued observation of near-Earth objects While 2003 MH4 itself does not threaten harm, experts stress that its flyby is a wake-up call but not an impact warning. Even slight gravitational perturbations from planets or effects like the Yarkovsky effect, a process by which sunlight slowly alters the path of an asteroid, can move the orbits of such bodies over time. "This weekend's sighting is a warning, not a threat," — NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) The increasing inventory of PHAs highlights the need for ongoing awareness and readiness. Every close passage offers rich information for improving asteroid models and anticipating future encounters. Close flyby of small asteroid warns of future risks Before the approach of 2003 MH4, a smaller asteroid had an even closer approach. 2025 KF, a 23-meter-wide asteroid found earlier this year, passed within a mere 111,000 kilometresof Earth on May 21—less than the Moon is from us. Though its comparatively small size, 2025 KF has been seriously considered by researchers. Most such objects are not single boulders but "rubble piles" fall apart easily because they are collections of rock and dust loosely bound together by gravity. These buildups are even more likely to break apart under the pull of Earth's gravity. Experts say that even tiny asteroids, if they were to crash into Earth, would result in cataclysmic destruction. An asteroid impact of the size of 2025 KF would release energy that is comparable to thousands of nuclear bombs, potentially leading to mass fires, tsunamis, and earthquakes. In the event of a bigger object such as 2003 MH4, the impact could be even more devastating, with worldwide consequences such as "impact winter"—a process where debris and dust trap sunlight, halting world climate and agriculture for years to come. NASA's vigilance keeps Earth prepared for asteroid hazards NASA's CNEOS, among other international observatories, continues to scan the heavens for unknown and known NEOs. Their purpose is not only detecting early threats but also designing and experimenting with potential planetary defense methods, such as kinetic impactors and gravity tractors to change asteroid trajectories. The 2003 flyby of MH4 is a reminder from space that Earth, although defended by enormous distances and sophisticated detection capabilities, remains exposed to objects in space. Each close call increases our knowledge and refines our readiness. Asteroid 2003 MH4's near-Earth pass this weekend: Related FAQs When and how fast will asteroid 2003 MH4 pass Earth? The asteroid will fly by Earth on May 24 at 4:07 PM IST, traveling at an extremely fast speed of about 30,060 kilometresper hour. What is the size of asteroid 2003 MH4? It measures approximately 335 meters across, roughly the length of three football fields or as tall as a 100-story building. Could the asteroid's orbit change and become dangerous? Yes. Over time, factors like gravitational pulls from planets or sunlight can slightly shift its trajectory, which is why continuous observation is vital. What measures does NASA take to protect Earth from asteroids? NASA's teams constantly monitor near-Earth objects and are researching ways to deflect or alter asteroid paths if any threat is detected, using methods like kinetic impactors or gravity tractors. Also Read | ISRO chief announces 2025 as 'Gaganyaan Year' with first mission featuring Vyommitra robot to launch in December
India Today
23-05-2025
- Science
- India Today
Asteroid with power of 1,000 nuclear bombs to come dangerously close to Earth
Asteroid 2003 MH4, a colossal space rock measuring approximately 335 meters in diameter—about the length of three football fields—will make a close approach to Earth on May 24, through space at a staggering 14 kilometers per second, this asteroid's size and velocity have drawn intense scrutiny from the global scientific community, even though there is no immediate threat to our Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and planetary defense teams are vigilantly tracking 2003 MH4's trajectory. The asteroid is set to pass at a distance of 6.68 million kilometers from Earth—roughly 17 times closer than the distance between the Earth and the Moon. While this might seem vast in everyday terms, astronomers consider such proximity significant, especially for an object of this 2003 MH4 is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA), a designation reserved for space objects larger than 150 meters that come within 7.5 million kilometers of status does not imply an imminent collision but highlights the necessity for ongoing monitoring, as even slight changes in an asteroid's path—caused by gravitational interactions with planets or the subtle Yarkovsky effect from solar radiation—could alter its future asteroid's composition, density, and reflective properties are also under close examination, as these characteristics can influence its orbital behaviour and potential risk 2003 MH4 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, known for their Earth-crossing orbits, which can sometimes bring them uncomfortably close to our emphasise that while the likelihood of an impact from 2003 MH4 remains extremely low, the flyby serves as a stark reminder of the importance of planetary defense initiatives.A direct hit from an asteroid of this size could unleash energy equivalent to thousands of nuclear bombs, causing widespread devastation, fires, tsunamis, and potentially triggering a global 'impact winter'.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA alert! A massive asteroid racing towards Earth at 14 kilometres per second on May 24; should we be concerned
Asteroid 2003 MH4 , nearly three football fields long, is set to sweep past Earth around 24 May 2025. Its size and speed have caught the attention of scientists, raising concerns despite no immediate threat. The asteroid's close flyby has prompted NASA 's planetary defense teams to monitor it closely, ensuring any potential risk is quickly assessed. While the chances of impact remain low, the unusual size and speed of the asteroid have heightened awareness and triggered enhanced monitoring, underscoring the importance of preparedness in planetary defense efforts. Asteroid 2003 MH4 is set to fly by Earth on May 24 Asteroid 2003 MH4 is 335 meters in diameter, the length of three football fields placed one behind the other. The behemoth boulder is moving at an impressive velocity of 14 kilometers per second (approximately 50,400 km/h). The asteroid would travel from Delhi to Mumbai (approximately 1,500 km) in under a minute at such velocity. Asteroid 2003 MH4 will pass at a distance of 6.68 million kilometers from Earth on May 24, 2025. Although this is gargantuan in terms of human measurement, it is close in terms of the universe. To put it into perspective, it is 17 times closer than the Earth and Moon—a proximity that makes the trajectory of the asteroid important. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en San Bernardo (ver precio) Verisure Alarmas Leer más Undo It is in the orbits of space that an approach of 6.68 million kilometers counts as a close call of a kind, particularly considering the size of the object in question. Although Earth will never be in any kind of jeopardy, the occurrence helps to highlight the need for special caution in tracking large near-Earth objects (NEOs). What makes 2003 MH4 'potentially hazardous' NASA classifies asteroids with a specific size and proximity as Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). An asteroid becomes a PHA if it satisfies two conditions: Size: It should be 150 meters or more in diameter. Proximity: It should come within less than 7.5 million kilometers to the Earth.\ Asteroid 2003 MH4 qualifies on both counts and is then, in turn, officially designated as a PHA. This, too, needs to be closely monitored due to future impacts but with low likelihood, given its orbital characteristics. Asteroid 2003 MH4: Ongoing monitoring and surveillance There is no present threat from Asteroid 2003 MH4 to the world in the near future. Its speed and dimensions, however, must be kept under constant surveillance. The asteroid takes 410 days to orbit the Sun, which is approximately the number of near approaches that lie in its future. Any small change in its path, due to gravitational attraction by other masses or effects such as the Yarkinsky effect (an effect whereby the rotation of an asteroid is affected by radiation from the surface of the asteroid), would result in closer future approaches. The ongoing monitoring of objects like 2003 MH4 is part of the overall planetary defense plan. Their trajectory and behavior assist in planning for potential methods of mitigation in the event one of them ends up posing a deep threat to the planet in the distant future. How NASA tracks PHAs NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) make periodic observations of the objects using ground-based telescopes and space observatories. Orbital modeling and radar observation, for instance, enable scientists to forecast the future path of the asteroid and calculate any potential danger. What are the Apollo asteroids Asteroid 2003 MH4 is an Apollo family, a collection of Earth-crossing asteroids. They pass around the Sun in orbits that intersect or almost intersect the Earth's orbit. "Apollo" is named after the first discovery of these asteroids, 1862 Apollo, in 1932. So far, there are more than 21,000 Apollo asteroids , which are typically bodies of immense concern and interest for planetary defense programs, and have been found by astronomers. They are apt to cross the orbit of our planet. The Apollo group asteroids, such as 2003 MH4, have orbits crossing that of Earth and their orbits get altered due to the planet's gravitational pull, especially those of Earth and Jupiter. This will result in altering their orbits occasionally and causing new close approaches in the future. On-going observation by NASA tracks any change of orbits of such bodies and thus improving predictability and avoiding potential impacts. Other asteroids that will be monitored Asteroid 2003 MH4 is only one of the objects tracked by NASA. For instance, Asteroid Apophis, which had initially been considered to impact Earth in 2029, was subsequently taken off the list of consideration for imminent danger upon close tracking. At the same time, other asteroids close to Earth such as 2024 YR4 and 2025 FA22 are also monitored. Specifically, 2025 FA22 will pass very close to our planet in 2089, although present computer models put chances of impact at a mere 0.01%. Slim as the chances may be, the asteroid will be under intense observation. Why ongoing observation is important The sudden near-miss by an Asteroid 2003 MH4 reminds us of the dynamic and potentially volatile nature of our own solar system. The asteroid is not currently causing any devastation but could be a reminder of the necessity of keen observation of near-Earth objects, as well as improved telescopic technology and orbital simulation and planetary defense research to observe these objects and make sure that we are ready for whatever devastation they will ultimately bring. As May 24, 2025, draws near, international space agencies will monitor 2003 MH4, not because it is an imminent threat, but because it reminds us of our vulnerability in a vast and capricious universe. The capability to monitor and project the trajectory of such objects may prove to be the most vital one day to maintaining life on Earth. Also Read | Witness the best stargazing events of summer 2025: Full moons, meteor showers, and eclipses you can't miss
News18
19-05-2025
- Science
- News18
Asteroid 2003 MH4, Flying At 14 Kilometres Per Second, Will Miss Earth By This Much On May 24
Last Updated: According to NASA, the asteroid will come within 6.68 million kilometres of Earth, which the space agency says is a close shave. An asteroid nearly the size of three football fields is heading toward Earth for what astronomers are calling a 'close approach", prompting heightened surveillance by NASA's planetary defence teams. Named Asteroid 2003 MH4, this 335-metre-wide object is set to pass near Earth on May 24, 2025, travelling at a blistering speed of 14 kilometres per second – fast enough to cover the distance between Delhi and Mumbai in under a minute. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the asteroid will come within 6.68 million kilometres of Earth. While that might sound comfortably distant in everyday terms, in the vast realm of space, it's a narrow miss. NASA classifies any object over 150 metres wide and approaching within 7.5 million kilometres as a 'Potentially Hazardous Asteroid". 2003 MH4 meets both criteria, making it a serious subject of scrutiny by scientists at the Centre for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). This massive space rock is part of the Apollo group, a class of Earth-crossing asteroids named after the first of their kind discovered in 1932. With over 21,000 known members, the Apollo group includes numerous objects whose orbital paths intersect with Earth's, occasionally raising alarms about future impacts. NASA continues to track these celestial wanderers using a combination of ground-based telescopes and sophisticated computer models. Although there is no imminent danger of 2003 MH4 striking Earth during this flyby, experts remain cautious. Its orbit, combined with its considerable size, warrants close monitoring. Scientists note that the asteroid completes a full orbit around the Sun every 410 days, increasing the chances of future close encounters. Should its trajectory shift – even slightly due to gravitational interactions or other factors – future flybys could pose a greater risk. This isn't the only asteroid keeping scientists on their toes. Asteroid Apophis, once feared to impact Earth in 2029, has since been cleared of that risk after extensive observation. Meanwhile, other near-Earth objects like 2024 YR4 and 2025 FA22 remain under close study. Particularly, 2025 FA22 is expected to come uncomfortably close in the year 2089, though current models estimate the probability of collision at a mere 0.01%. As May 24 approaches, scientists around the world will be watching 2003 MH4 closely; not because it poses an immediate threat, but because it reminds us of the precarious cosmic neighbourhood we inhabit. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 19, 2025, 15:05 IST
