NASA revealed that an airplane-sized asteroid will narrowly pass by the Earth today; View details

Over the past few days, we have seen many asteroids approaching Earth. Just yesterday, as many as four space rocks narrowly missed Earth. Although none of them hit the surface, their close proximity is a reminder of the need to constantly monitor these asteroids for potential impact scenarios. The work is being undertaken by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which keeps a close eye on near-Earth objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and comets. NASA says that with the help of advanced technology, an airplane-sized asteroid is expected to pass by Earth today (March 20). Learn all about this close encounter.

Also read: Building-sized asteroid about to fly by Earth

Asteroid 2024 EY3

CNEOS has named the asteroid 2024 EY3. It is just one of four asteroids expected to pass by Earth today, the others being 2024 FD1, 2024 EZ3 and 2024 EQ3. During its close approach, the asteroid will pass by Earth at a distance of just 4.5 million kilometers.

Currently, the asteroid is orbiting the sun at a speed of about 41,825 kilometers per hour, which is faster than an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)! NASA further revealed that it belongs to the Aton asteroid group, a type of near-Earth asteroid (NEA) that transits the Earth and has a semi-major axis smaller than the Earth’s major axis. They are named after the asteroid 2062 Aten, the first such planet discovered on January 7, 1976 by American astronomer Eleanor Helin at the Palomar Observatory.

Also read: What are asteroids and how ESA tracks them

How big is it?

In terms of size, the Asteroid 2024 EY3 can be compared to an airplane! NASA says it’s nearly 140 feet wide. Although it will approach Earth, it is not expected to impact the surface and pose a risk to life and property.

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