Latest news with #MH4
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
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Gigantic Asteroid, The Size Of Eiffel Tower, To Zoom Past Earth This Weekend: NASA
A gigantic asteroid, roughly the height of the Eiffel Tower, is heading towards Earth for what astronomers are calling a "close approach". According to NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the object, named 387746 (2003 MH4), spans 335 metres wide (approximately 1,100 feet). It will fly past our planet on May 24, Saturday, at 4:07 pm IST (10:37 UTC). The asteroid is currently travelling at a speed of 30,060 kilometres per hour. Although it won't strike us, the gigantic asteroid has raised an eyebrow among scientists. Asteroid 2003 MH4 is from the Apollo family of asteroids, which are known to cross Earth's orbital path. Due to its orbit and proximity, it is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). Notably, PHAs are objects bigger than 140 metres and approach Earth within 7.5 million kilometres. According to NASA JPL, the asteroid will come within 6.68 million kilometres of Earth. While this may sound a long way off, in terms of space, it's close enough to be of concern. "This weekend's sighting is a warning, not a threat," noted NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the body tasked with tracking thousands of space rocks that could pose risks. To put things in perspective, despite its considerable distance, asteroid 2003 MH4 is classified as a near-Earth object (NEO), which requires careful monitoring. NASA's continuous tracking efforts ensure that we stay informed about any potential space threats. NASA's Commitment to Monitoring Near-Earth Objects NASA, in collaboration with various space agencies, uses a sophisticated network of telescopes and advanced computing systems to keep track of near-Earth objects. While most of these NEOs remain at a safe distance from Earth, those that come within 7.5 million kilometres and are over 460 feet (140 meters) in size receive increased attention. The Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at NASA is dedicated to closely monitoring these space rocks, assessing any risks they might pose. This vigilant observation is crucial for understanding and preparing for any potential cosmic hazards that could affect our planet.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Four asteroids, including a stadium-sized one, speeding towards Earth
Earth is set to witness the close, but safe, passage of several massive asteroids in the coming days. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, four asteroids will fly by Earth between May 23 and May 25, 2025. The largest of the group is asteroid 387746 (2003 MH4), measuring approximately 1,100 feet, which is roughly the size of a stadium. On May 23, asteroid 2025 KC, which is almost the size of a house, will fly by Earth at a safe distance of 636,000 km, posing no threat to the planet. On May 24, two more asteroids – 2025 KL and 387746 (2003 MH4), will make their closest approaches, passing at 1,910,000 km and 4,150,000 km respectively. Finally, 2025 KM will skim past Earth on May 25, with its closest approach estimated at 960,000 km. Asteroids, also known as planetoids, are rocky objects that orbit the Sun. While many originate within our solar system, formed during its early years, some may come from interstellar space. Although these space rocks frequently pass Earth, most reside in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. While the majority of asteroids are harmless, a collision with a massive one could cause significant destruction. Asteroid spotting is a routine part of modern space observation. Owing to advanced telescopes and monitoring programs like NASA's Near-Earth Object Observations, scientists regularly monitor thousands of space rocks to assess any potential threats. Most of these asteroids pass harmlessly, but spotting them early is important for planetary defence. This data also aids researchers in understanding the solar system's history. Tracking these space rocks allows for precise orbital calculations, and in rare cases of potential impact. Most importantly, it gives us time to prepare or deflect the threat in advance. NASA reports that car-sized meteorites strike Earth roughly once a year. Meanwhile, football-field-sized asteroids pass by about once every 2,000 years. The damage from an asteroid impact depends on its mass, speed, angle of entry, and the location of impact. Fortunately, most space rocks are statistically more likely to fall into oceans or uninhabited regions. (This article has been curated by Disha Gupta, intern at The Indian Express.)
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA issues colossal Asteroid alert, 2003 MH4 to pass Earth this weekend: Should you worry?
A colossal asteroid , roughly the height of the Eiffel Tower, is set to pass Earth this weekend in what NASA calls a 'close encounter'. The object, named 387746 (2003 MH4), spans 335 metres wide — about the size of a 100-storey building — and will fly past our planet on 24 May at 4:07 PM IST (10:37 UTC). Although there's no threat of impact, its size and speed have triggered heightened monitoring by NASA. The asteroid is currently travelling at a blistering 30,060 km/h, fast enough to circle Earth in just over an hour. Given its orbit and proximity, it's classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). 'This weekend's sighting is a warning, not a threat,' noted NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies ( CNEOS ), the body tasked with tracking thousands of space rocks that could pose risks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 Of These Questions Correctly IQ International Undo Why scientists are wary of MH4's orbit 2003 MH4 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids , which are known to cross Earth's orbital path. Its flyby distance is 6.67 million kilometres, or roughly 17 times the distance from Earth to the Moon. That might sound distant, but astronomers consider anything within 7.5 million kilometres and larger than 140 metres worthy of close observation. The real concern lies in what might happen in the future. Objects in space, especially those in the Apollo group, don't always stay on their predicted paths. Live Events Gravitational nudges from planets — or even the Yarkovsky effect (where sunlight gradually alters an asteroid's trajectory) — can shift orbits over time. A slight redirection could potentially turn a safe pass into a collision course in the years ahead. 'If one of these rocks ever hit Earth, the destruction would be enormous,' experts warn. 'The energy released would compare to thousands of nuclear bombs.' Such an event could cause regional devastation — fires, tsunamis, seismic shockwaves — and send dust clouds into the sky, blocking sunlight and triggering a possible 'impact winter'. Planetary Defence: From tracking to action The good news? Agencies like NASA and global partners are not taking these flybys lightly. CNEOS and other observatories are constantly watching the skies. The goal is not just early detection but also to prepare response strategies. Programmes are already exploring how to deflect or disrupt incoming asteroids before they become existential threats. This flyby acts as a timely reminder. While we're safe now, space remains unpredictable. Meanwhile, 12.5-Gorilla asteroid 2025 KF also has a close call with earth. In an unrelated but equally attention-grabbing event, another asteroid — 2025 KF — flew by at a distance that was even closer to Earth on Wednesday, 21 May, at a distance of just 111,000 kilometres. That's less than a third of the distance to the Moon. Discovered only this year, the asteroid is around 23 metres wide, which is equivalent to the combined height of 12 and a half fully grown gorillas, according to a playful comparison made using World Wildlife Fund figures. Despite its small size, scientists are treating it seriously. Some asteroids are not solid rocks but 'rubble piles' — loose clusters of rock and dust held together by gravity. These can change shape and size as they pass near a planet's gravitational field. 'When a rubble pile asteroid passes by a sufficient source of gravity, the pull of gravity will cause the rubble to shift,' researchers explain. If 2025 KF were to hit Earth, it would likely create a loud airburst explosion, but not one capable of causing large-scale destruction. Still, it's a firm reminder of how dynamic and volatile our cosmic neighbourhood can be. In a world increasingly focused on artificial intelligence and geopolitics, space remains an untameable frontier. Both MH4 and 2025 KF illustrate the sheer scale of what's moving above us — from 23-metre rubble clumps to towering boulders the size of skyscrapers. Neither asteroid poses a threat today. But as scientists warn, the risk isn't what we see — it's what might change. 'Our world is secure for the time being, but the universe has its own agenda,' said a spokesperson from NASA's science division. Asteroids may not often make headlines, but they shape the long-term survival odds of our planet. And for now, we're just lucky observers in a fast-moving solar system.
