NASA says a 150-foot-tall asteroid will narrowly pass by Earth today; see details

Over the past few weeks, Earth has been affected by a variety of celestial phenomena. With the Spring Equinox, the peak of Solar Cycle 25 is approaching, which results in increased solar activity. Additionally, we see many asteroids approaching. While these space rocks don’t pose the same danger as solar storms, they are so close to Earth that they must be monitored to anticipate any potential collision scenarios. Using advanced technology, NASA has revealed a 150-foot-tall asteroid expected to narrowly pass by Earth today (March 27).

Also read: NASA reveals two asteroids are about to fly by Earth

Asteroid 2024 EA3

According to NASA, asteroid 2024 EA3 is just one of millions of asteroids orbiting the sun in the main asteroid belt, which is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), an organization that closely monitors celestial bodies such as asteroids and comets, revealed that the asteroid will pass by the Earth today at a distance of 3.14 million kilometers.

It orbits the sun at an astonishing speed of about 38,754 kilometers per hour, which is much faster than an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)! It is just one of two asteroids designated to pass by Earth today, the other being 2024 EL4.

Asteroid 2024 EA3 belongs to the Apollo group of near-Earth asteroids, which are space rocks that pass through the Earth and have a semi-major axis larger than the major axis of the Earth. These asteroids are named after the giant 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was discovered by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth in the 1930s.

Also read: NASA’s 5 Tips for Safely Capturing the 2024 Solar Eclipse

How big is it?

In terms of size, the asteroid is almost 150 feet wide, NASA said. Therefore, it is comparable to large aircraft! That is, it is not expected to actually impact the Earth’s surface and cause any damage to life or property. However, it will still come very close to Earth, which is why it is designated a near-Earth asteroid (NEA).

And one more thing! We can now use WhatsApp channels! Follow us so you don’t miss any updates from the world of technology. ‎To follow the HT Tech channel on WhatsApp, click here Join now!