An asteroid the size of a skyscraper is moving towards Earth: A look at 5 approaching asteroids | Technology News
It seems Earth is set to witness a few massive asteroids pass by this month. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as many as five supergiant asteroids are approaching Earth. These asteroids of varying sizes are set to fly by Earth between August 8 and August 13. The largest of the asteroids – 2024 KH3 is an approximate size of 610 feet, which is equal to a tall building.
The 2024 KH3 asteroid is likely to cross Earth on August 10. While the asteroid will have a relatively close encounter, it is categorised as a safe pass and there is no risk to us. Reportedly, the gigantic asteroid will reach its minimum distance of about 5.6 million kms from Earth on August 10.
Similarly, an airplane-sized asteroid, approximately 120 feet in diameter, named 2024 ON2, is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on August 12. It will pass at a distance of about 6.8 million kms. Although it is approaching Earth, there is no significant threat.
Another asteroid, about 110 feet in diameter, named 2024 PK1, is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on August 10. It will pass at a distance of about 6.4 million km. 2024 PN1 is approximately 86 feet in diameter and is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on August 8. It will pass at a distance of about 2.4 million kms. Despite its proximity, the asteroid poses no significant threat to our planet.
Perhaps, the smallest in the list – a house-sized asteroid about 58 feet in diameter, named 2024 PS1, will make its closest approach to Earth on August 13. It will pass at a distance of about 1.3 million km.
What are asteroids?
Asteroids, also known as planetoids, are inactive rocks that orbit around the Sun. It is believed that they are the rocky remains from the formation of our solar system billions of years ago. These rocky objects are usually seen orbiting the Sun, between Mars and Jupiter and they are seen largely in the asteroid belt. So far, the largest known asteroid is 4 Vesta at 530 kms in diameter.
When it comes to damage caused by asteroids, one needs to realise that the extent of damage is dependent on their size. There have been no impact threats so far. For an asteroid to destroy the Earth, it should be as big as our planet. Asteroids as big as a car are known to make their way to Earth each year.
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In case you are confused between asteroids, meteoroids, comets, meteors, and meteorites, here is a breakdown from Nasa. These are different types of space objects and phenomena with distinct characteristics.
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