Latest news with #NEOs
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns! 120-foot asteroid 2025 KX8 to make close approach to Earth on June 4; here's what to expect
Looking up at the sky can stir wonder—and sometimes, that awe is justified. A small asteroid is making a close approach to Earth, prompting careful monitoring by scientists. While there is no immediate threat, astronomers are tracking its path for any unexpected changes. This near-Earth object serves as a reminder of how active our solar system is and the importance of constant vigilance. Though this flyby will pass safely, it underscores the need for continued observation and research to better prepare for any future cosmic encounters that may pose a risk to our planet. Asteroid 2025 KX8 to have closest approach on June 4 NASA has officially announced the passage of asteroid 2025 KX8, which is due to have its closest approach to Earth on June 4, 2025. Estimated to be around 120 feet (about 36 meters) in diameter, the space rock is about the size of a small business jet. As it whizzes by, the asteroid will pass within 1.99 million kilometers (or roughly 1.24 million miles) of Earth. Although that sounds incredibly far, it's close astronomically speaking close enough to elicit active tracking by space agencies. Why scientists monitor near-Earth asteroids like 2025 KX8 Asteroid 2025 KX8 is classified under the Aten group, a group of near-Earth objects (NEOs) whose orbits take them through Earth's path. It is an important category of asteroid to track because their potential for orbital change in the future will enhance chances of collisions in the long run. Though models of trajectory at present indicate no danger of impact, scientists keep a watchful eye out. NASA defines objects as 'potentially hazardous' only if they are at least 150 meters in diameter and come within 7.4 million kilometers of Earth. Asteroid 2025 KX8 falls short on both counts, so it's safe according to present criteria—but still noteworthy from a scientific perspective. Small asteroids such as KX8, no matter how small they may be, would have the potential to inflict localized destruction should they ever enter Earth's atmosphere at some high velocity. Additionally, even a small change in its path resulting from gravitational perturbations or solar radiation would eventually alter its trajectory. That is why ongoing monitoring is important. ISRO prepares for future asteroid threats with global collaboration While KX8 poses no threat, space agencies worldwide are getting ready for more ominous situations. India's space agency, ISRO, is already gearing up for 2029, when a far larger asteroid Apophis is scheduled to make a very close pass by Earth. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has highlighted the need for planetary defense. He has publicly indicated the threat posed by near-Earth objects and called for global collaboration. ISRO is considering collaboration with NASA, ESA, and JAXA to increase its surveillance capabilities. The agency is also working on future asteroid landing missions, whose goal would be to use as test sites for technologies that, in the future, might be employed to deflect or disrupt dangerous asteroids. These missions are part of a larger plan to minimize the potential effect of spaceborne threats. Also Read | Solar storm alert! Powerful G4-class geomagnetic activity expected on Earth after massive solar eruption on June 2
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.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump's NASA budget: Why it may make it difficult to track asteroids approaching Earth
The discussion around the possibility of an asteroid hitting the Earth mostly remains a topic of speculation among scientists and enthusiasts. Keeping the recent speculation about YR4 and other asteroids making rounds near the Earth, NASA has been developing new equipment to detect and track potentially hazardous asteroids. However, recent budget proposals by the Trump administration might threaten to derail this important planetary defense initiative. What budget cuts has Trump proposed for NASA? According to reports by Time and ArcsTechnia, President Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes a 24% reduction in NASA's overall funding, dropping it from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion, which is also the lowest since 2015. More concerning is the nearly 50% cut to the Science Mission Directorate, reducing its budget from $7.5 billion to $3.9 billion. This drastic reduction hampers and fiddles with numerous scientific programs, including planetary defense efforts like the NEO Surveyor mission . How does this impact the planetary defense system? The NEO Surveyor mission is NASA's next step in planetary defense, aiming to detect and characterise near-Earth objects (NEOs) that could be a possible threat to our planet. By operating in infrared wavelengths, it can identify asteroids that are invisible to optical telescopes. Delays or cancellations of this mission would leave Earth vulnerable to potential impacts from undetected asteroids. The budget has been partially restored In response to the proposed budget cuts, the House Appropriations Committee has partially restored funding for the NEO Surveyor mission, allocating $94.9 million. While this is a step in the right direction, it falls short of the $170 million, which NASA had requested to maintain the mission's timeline. The committee has urged NASA to provide a revised launch schedule that ensures the mission proceeds without further delays, as reported by Space News. The proposed budget cuts impact beyond planetary defense systems. Various other programs, such as the Mars Sample Return mission, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and the Space Launch System, are also on the edge. The Politico reported that former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson criticised the proposed budget cuts, likening them to attacking the agency with "a chainsaw and a meat-ax." He warned that such drastic reductions would severely harm NASA's core scientific research and technological development, potentially plunging the agency "into a dark age."
Miami Herald
11-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
The researchers charged with defending the planet against asteroids
In December, astronomers identified that the asteroid YR4 had a small but not insignificant chance of striking Earth in 2032, a scenario that experts postulated could have more explosive potential than 500 Hiroshima nuclear bombs. Researchers reclassified YR4 as a non-threat in February, but the interim period when the asteroid was considered a threat, was the first time that the International Asteroid Warning Network had been activated to respond to a threat since its formation in 2014. "The fact is that humanity does have a system that has been put in place in the last decade, essentially, and it worked for YR4," said Danica Remy, president of the Mill Valley-based B612 Foundation, a nonprofit focused on identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs) that pose a threat to humanity. The global apparatus of researchers and cosmologists had formed in 2013 in the wake of an exploding meteor over Chelyabinsk, Russia, that shattered glass for miles around. "We did not see that one coming," said Katie Kumamoto, a researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, about the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor. "There was no warning until there was actually a fireball in the sky being caught on all of those dashboard cameras on people's cars. I think that was a big wake-up call." Though astronomers have known about the threat posed by NEOs since the 1970s, efforts to catalogue potentially dangerous asteroids and meteors have only seriously materialized in the past decade, according to researchers from LLNL, the Marin County-based Asteroid Institute and NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office. The Planetary Defense Coordination Office has identified 873 NEOs larger than one kilometer, a size that could be "a disaster of the scale of anything we've seen," according to Planetary Defense Officer Emeritus Lindley Johnson, who established the office in 2016. Another 11,266 NEOs have been identified that are large enough to wipe out entire cities if they landed in a metropolitan area, Johnson added. Johnson said NASA's catalogue has now identified more than 95% of NEOs that pose a threat to Earth. "Even though we now feel we've got a good handle on the population of large near-Earth asteroids, we're still working on understanding what the smaller population is," Johnson said. "We now have this tasking from NASA to find everything that's larger than 140 meters in size." The last major asteroid impact on Earth was the Tunguska Event in 1908 in Siberia, where an asteroid, estimated to be between 50-100 meters in diameter, exploded in the Earth's atmosphere and flattened 2,000 square kilometers of forest. Asteroids of that size are estimated to strike Earth once every 200-300 years, while asteroids larger than one kilometer strike Earth once every 500,000 years on average, according to the University of Arizona. The International Asteroid Warning System's researchers, recognizing that an asteroid impact is an inevitability rather than a possibility, have worked to develop numerous strategies to deploy against an asteroid whose trajectory is aligned with Earth. Some of these strategies have already been tested. On Sept. 26, 2022, NASA successfully redirected the asteroid Dimorphos as part of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) using the strategy of a kinetic impactor - a fancy way of saying scientists crashed into an asteroid and changed its trajectory. The DART mission was a huge step in the planetary defense field, proving that the kinetic impactor could be utilized in the future. "Just changing the speed at which something is moving in orbit, that changes the orbit forever in the future," Johnson said. "The orbital shape, size of the orbit, and where it's going is all determined by the orbital velocity around the sun." Like a real-world game of Galaga, the kinetic impactor strategy works for smaller space rocks, however, other larger asteroids require more intense interventions. Asteroid Institute co-founder Ed Lu and astronaut Stanley G. Love invented the "gravity tractor" method, where, if given enough time, a spacecraft could be placed near an asteroid's gravitational field, "fine-tuning" its orbital trajectory safely away from Earth, Remy said. But what if the asteroid is too large for a kinetic impactor and scientists are too late to identify an impending impact? At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Kumamoto and other researchers are working on a solution: nuclear deflection. For this strategy, a nuclear explosive device would be triggered near an asteroid, sending it off its orbital path and ablating material from its surface. "Because there's just so much energy in a nuclear explosive device, we would be able to apply a much bigger push to the asteroid than we could get from a kinetic impactor," Kumamoto said about the "nuclear option" of planetary defense. "We don't understand that one as well as we understand option number one and option number two." Part of the reason for Kumamoto and other LLNL researchers' limited understanding of nuclear deflection is that international law prevents them. The Outer Space Treaty, approved by the United Nations in 1967, prohibits nuclear weapons in space and limits nations from testing military weapons on any celestial body. Space might be the final frontier, but no nation holds claim to it. In 2014, in the wake of the Chelyabinsk meteor, the United Nations brought greater focus to asteroid threats and planetary defense by sanctioning "International Asteroid Day" on June 30, a commemoration of the Tunguska Event in 1908. Originally founded by Remy's B612 Foundation, along with physicist Stephen Hawking, astronaut Rusty Schweickart and Queen guitarist Brian May in 2014, Asteroid Day is a call to action to keep humanity safe from what lies beyond our atmosphere - because in a world of natural disasters, one of the most devastating phenomena comes from space. "Unlike a hurricane or a tsunami or an earthquake or super volcano, there's really absolutely nothing we can do about those right now," Remy said. "Whereas with an asteroid impact, there are deflection options, and the work that we're doing is really important because warning time is everything." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
