Latest news with #CenterforNear-EarthObjectStudies
Forbes
3 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Asteroid Larger Than Golden Gate Bridge Approaches Earth In Rare Event
An asteroid that may be as big as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco will fly safely by Earth on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Bigger than 97% of asteroids, for such a large object to come close to Earth is a relatively rare event, but asteroid 424482 (2008 DG5) won't pose any threat. Asteroid 424482 (2008 DG5) is about 1,017-2,264 feet (310-690 meters) in size, which puts it in the top 3% of asteroids, according to In Manhattan, that's the distance from Grand Central Station to the One World Trade Center. It will come within 2.17 million miles (3.49 million kilometers) of Earth, about nine times farther than the moon. The moon is, on average, 238,855 miles/384,400 kilometers from Earth. That may not sound close — and it certainly poses no danger to Earth — but the European Space Agency classes such a close pass of such a large asteroid as "infrequent." Any object that comes within 4.6 million miles of Earth and is larger than 492 feet is capable of causing significant regional damage in the event of impact. 2008 DG5 is therefore referred to as a 'potentially hazardous object' by NASA. 2008 DG5 is an Apollo asteroid, which means its orbital pass crosses Earth's. It orbits the sun every 514 Earth days and was discovered in 2008 by the Catalina Sky Survey near Tucson, Arizona, part of NASA's Near Earth Object Observation Program. 2008 DG5's next close approach will be in 2032. It poses no danger to Earth, but if an asteroid the size of 2008 DG5 did strike Earth, it could cause catastrophic regional damage, possibly causing shockwaves and tsunamis. For context, the 'Tunguska Event' in 1908, which saw a fireball, massive forest fires and 80 million trees knocked over, according to NASA, was caused by an asteroid just 130 feet (40 meters) in diameter in size exploding six miles above Siberia. At the other end of the scale, the Chicxulub asteroid that's thought to have caused the dinosaur's extinction was six to 10 miles (10 to 15 kilometers) wide. 2024 YR4, an asteroid about 130 to 300 feet (40 to 90 meters) in diameter — as wide as the Statue of Liberty is tall — was a significant news story earlier this year when astronomers calculated it would strike Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. In the weeks after its discovery on Dec. 27, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in Chile, 2024 YR4 was thought to be destined to strike Earth along a 'risk corridor' calculated as stretching from the eastern Pacific Ocean through northern South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, the Arabian Sea and South Asia. At one point, NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies had the asteroid's impact probability at 3.1% — the highest ever recorded for an object of that size — but on Feb. 24, it reduced the likelihood of an impact event almost to zero.
Leaders
29-05-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Jeddah Stargazers Monitor Asteroid 2025 KX3's Close Earth Flyby
Scientists and space enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the imminent passage of asteroid 2025 KX3 near Earth. This celestial event, though posing no threat, has captured the attention of global monitoring centers. Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, the esteemed head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, sheds light on this fascinating phenomenon. Asteroid 2025 KX3, first observed in May, belongs to the category of near-Earth objects, as confirmed by Eng. Abu Zahra. With a diameter of merely 10 meters, it pales in comparison to its larger counterparts. Consequently, this diminutive asteroid does not raise concerns among astronomers. Asteroid 2025 KX3's Rendezvous with Earth According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, asteroid 2025 KX3 will zoom past Earth at a distance of 340,000 kilometers. This distance, equivalent to 90% of the Earth-Moon separation, qualifies as a relatively close encounter. Traveling at a staggering speed of 45,000 kilometers per hour, the asteroid's velocity falls within the typical range for near-Earth objects. Eng. Abu Zahra emphasizes the significance of monitoring such events, as they provide invaluable insights into asteroid behavior. The asteroid's closest approach to Earth is expected to occur at 12:15 p.m. Makkah time. Each close encounter presents a unique opportunity to study asteroids' movements, orbital characteristics, and physical composition. The Jeddah Astronomical Society: Illuminating the Cosmos for All The Jeddah Astronomical Society, a specialized astronomy and space association, caters to diverse segments of society. Its primary objective is to foster astronomical awareness and knowledge among the public. The society actively monitors various astronomical phenomena and disseminates information through newsletters and simplified scientific translations. In conclusion, the passage of asteroid 2025 KX3 near Earth offers an exciting opportunity for scientific exploration and public engagement. As we eagerly await this celestial spectacle, let us appreciate the wonders of our universe and the tireless efforts of those who strive to unravel its mysteries. Short link : Post Views: 5
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'.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
"City-killer" asteroid has slim chance of striking moon, experts say
An asteroid that experts feared could hit Earth is no longer on track for the planet – but it still has a slim chance of striking the moon, new research says. The 2024 YR4 asteroid is nearly the size of a football field. It was detected in December 2024, and NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies predicted then it had a 3% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. Just a few weeks later, that chance was revised by NASA and dropped to just 0.28%. More observation and analysis conducted by the James Webb Space Telescope in late March confirmed the asteroid has a near-zero chance of striking Earth. The asteroid, however, still has a chance of directly colliding with the moon, according to astronomer Andrew Rivkin, science and technology publication New Scientist reported this week. Rivkin, a planetary astronomer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, was the co-author of a report analyzing the telescope's observations, which found there is a 2% chance the asteroid could strike the moon in 2032. That's a small increase from the 1.7% chance predicted by NASA in February. The asteroid will be studied by the Webb telescope again in May 2025 before it disappears into the outer solar system for the next several years. The James Webb Space Telescope is a powerful observatory that studies the universe. It can study faint objects and its data is used by multiple international space agencies. Asteroid impacts have been shaping the moon's surface for billions of years, according to NASA. They have also caused craters on Earth. Asteroids made more contact with both the moon and Earth billions of years ago, according to the American Museum of Natural History, but those incidents have lessened over the millennia, leading to "the relatively peaceful present." It's not clear what would happen if an asteroid of this size were to strike the moon. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood previously said that if the asteroid hit Earth, it could have "truly catastrophic" but localized effects. "It wouldn't be something like the rock that killed the dinosaurs," Harwood said. "It wouldn't affect the global climate, but it would certainly be a disaster of every proportion. So we're all hoping that doesn't happen." Democratic-backed candidate wins record-breaking Wisconsin Supreme Court seat U.S. and the rest of the world prepare for Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs From the archives: Val Kilmer as Mark Twain
