Latest news with #Earth-crossing
News18
6 hours ago
- Science
- News18
Earth Safe For Now, But Asteroid 2024 YR4 May Hit The Moon In 2032, Warns NASA
Last Updated: Measuring between 53 and 67 meters in diameter—about the size of a 10-storey building—the asteroid was classified as an Apollo-type and raised fears that it could impact Earth It was late 2024 when astronomers around the world were abuzz with concern over a newly discovered asteroid—designated 2024 YR4—which had appeared on NASA's radar. Measuring between 53 and 67 meters in diameter—about the size of a 10-storey building—the asteroid was quickly classified as an Apollo-type, a group known for their Earth-crossing orbits. Early calculations suggested a slim but real possibility that the space rock could impact Earth, prompting widespread attention and careful monitoring by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. However, as 2025 unfolded, the asteroid slipped out of view for Earth-based telescopes, its orbit taking it too far to be observed directly. Fortunately, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) managed to capture one final glimpse of 2024 YR4 before it vanished behind the glare of the Sun. These observations proved crucial: with the new data, NASA scientists refined the asteroid's predicted path, narrowing down its location for December 22, 2032, with nearly 20 per cent greater accuracy. However, the updated calculations have brought about a surprising twist. While the risk to Earth had been ruled out, the odds of 2024 YR4 striking the Moon in 2032 ticked up slightly—from 3.8 per cent to 4.3 per cent, posing the question: What would happen if the asteroid did hit the Moon? Would it affect the Moon's orbit, or pose any danger to Earth? In an interview with astronomer Pawan Kumar, a former researcher at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, sought to reassure the public, explaining that even if the asteroid were to collide with the Moon, it would not be a cause for concern. The Moon's orbit would remain unchanged, and any debris ejected by the impact would likely burn up harmlessly in Earth's atmosphere if it ever made its way toward us, he added. The JWST's observations also set a record: at roughly 60 meters across, 2024 YR4 became the smallest object ever targeted by the powerful space telescope. This achievement underscored the growing capabilities of modern astronomy to track even modestly sized objects across the vastness of space. Today, astronomers continue to keep a close watch on 2024 YR4, refining their models and preparing for any surprises. While the asteroid's journey may one day end with a dramatic impact on the Moon, Earth remains safe—for now. First Published:
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Science
- Arabian Post
Venusian Asteroids with Unstable Orbits May Threaten Earth
A cluster of asteroids co-orbiting with Venus has captured the attention of astronomers due to their unpredictable trajectories, which could potentially intersect with Earth's orbit over extended timescales. These celestial bodies, known as Venus co-orbital asteroids, are challenging to detect from Earth because of their proximity to the Sun, raising concerns about the adequacy of current asteroid monitoring systems. Recent simulations indicate that some of these asteroids possess highly eccentric and unstable orbits, increasing the likelihood of them being perturbed into Earth-crossing paths. Researchers from institutions in Brazil, France, and Italy have identified at least 20 such co-orbital asteroids, with three—designated 2020 SB, 524522, and 2020 CL1—highlighted as particularly concerning due to their size and orbital characteristics. These asteroids range from approximately 100 to 400 meters in diameter, and an impact from one could release energy equivalent to millions of tons of TNT, potentially causing regional devastation. The detection of these asteroids is hampered by their location near the Sun, which limits observation windows for ground-based telescopes. Even advanced observatories like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile may provide only a few weeks' notice before a potential impact, depending on the asteroids' approach trajectories. This limited warning time underscores the need for improved detection methods, particularly those that can observe the inner solar system more effectively. ADVERTISEMENT The dynamic nature of these asteroids' orbits is influenced by gravitational interactions with Venus, Earth, and other planetary bodies, as well as non-gravitational forces like the Yarkovsky effect, which can alter an asteroid's path over time. The chaotic orbital behavior of these asteroids makes long-term predictions challenging, with some simulations suggesting that their trajectories could become Earth-threatening within the next few centuries. To address this potential hazard, scientists advocate for the development of space-based observation platforms positioned closer to the Sun or in orbits that provide better viewing angles of the inner solar system. Such platforms could significantly enhance the detection and tracking of asteroids that are currently obscured by solar glare when viewed from Earth. Additionally, international collaboration on planetary defense strategies, including the development of asteroid deflection technologies, is considered essential to mitigate the risks posed by these elusive celestial objects.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns! Massive 25-storey building sized asteroid is set to pass close to Earth on May 28 - know the speed, time and other key details
A massive asteroid named 2025 JR is drawing global attention as it speeds toward Earth for a close encounter. Roughly the size of a 25-storey building, the space rock is set to make its nearest approach on Wednesday, May 28. While it will safely bypass Earth at a distance of 4.6 million kilometers, that proximity is considered unusually close in astronomical terms. The asteroid's size and speed—combined with its Earth-crossing orbit—have sparked interest among scientists, space agencies, and skywatchers alike. Though there is no risk of collision, the flyby serves as a vivid reminder of how close—and unpredictable—near-Earth objects can be, reinforcing the need for continued monitoring and space preparedness. Asteroid 2025 JR is moving towards Earth on May 28 On 28 May 2025, Asteroid 2025 JR is set to pass by Earth at 8:40 am IST, which is about 250 feet (76 meters) across, a respectable size in space. It's an Apollo-class near-Earth object (NEO)—a class marked by asteroids that have orbits that intersect with Earth's orbit around the Sun. Being of this kind of orbital feature, these asteroids are kept under close watch for how much danger they could pose. The asteroid travels at a staggering 40,800 km/h, a speed that, were it orbiting the Earth, would finish the journey in under an hour. While 2025 JR is not deemed a "potentially hazardous asteroid" because it is below the threshold diameter of 460 feet (140 meters), it is large enough that if it were to strike the Earth, the destruction would be devastating. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Did You Know Luxury Hotel Prices in 2025 Could Be So Low? Expertinspector Learn More Undo Asteroid 2025 JR: Date, time, speed and other details Parameter Details Name Asteroid 2025 JR Closest Approach Date 28 May 2025 Time of Approach 8:40 AM IST Estimated Diameter 250 feet (76 meters) Speed 40,800 km/h Distance from Earth 4.6 million kilometers Asteroid 2025 JR potential risk Should asteroid 2025 JR impact Earth, the destruction would be horrific. Moving at incredible velocity, the impact energy would be equivalent to a few nuclear bombs detonating in unison. This would destroy much, trigger huge explosions, and potentially result in large-scale loss of life. One traditional historical analogy most often provided is the 1908 Tunguska asteroid or comet explosion in Siberia, where an asteroid or comet with a diameter of approximately 160–200 feet exploded in the air. The explosion flattened approximately 2,000 square kilometres of trees—a wider area than the city of Delhi—showing the destructive energy released by comparatively small space bodies. How scientists track near-Earth objects Asteroid tracking 2025 JR is a complicated process which engages the whole world. NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies coordinates the activity by collecting data from a variety of telescopes and radar stations across the globe. Amateur astronomers also participate by searching the sky for unidentified objects. This network assists researchers in forecasting near-approach and possible impact events more accurately. But despite all these developments, there are still numerous space rocks that are unknown, posing challenges to planetary defence constantly. Also Read | Watch | NASA astronaut captures rare Northern Lights aurora display over North America from the International Space Station
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'.
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
