Asteroids, classified as “potentially hazardous,” are set to pass by earth today, according to NASA. This event occurs today, Saturday, June 29.
A smaller asteroid had earlier passed close to the earth surface on Friday.
Well does this mean the world will end soon?
NASA categorises any object larger than 150 metres that comes within 4.6 million miles of earth as a “potentially hazardous object.” Despite their proximity, both asteroids pose no immediate threat to the planet.
Asteroids Day, endorsed by the United Nations, commemorates the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, when a large asteroid exploded over Siberia, causing significant destruction. The event is held to raise awareness about the potential dangers of asteroid impacts.
Here is what you should take note of.
(415029) 2011 UL21: This asteroid is about 7,200 feet wide. It will come within 4.1 million miles of Earth on Sunday around 4:16 p.m. EDT. To give you an idea of the distance, this is about 17 times farther than the moon is from Earth. The next time it comes this close will be in 2052.
2024 MK: This smaller asteroid, discovered just 11 days ago, is estimated to be between 393 and 853 feet wide. It passes closer to earth on Saturday at around 9:46 a.m. EDT, coming within 180,198 miles. This distance is less than the average distance to the moon.
READ ALSO: International Asteroid Day: 10 Facts About Asteroids You Probably Don’t Know
Are these asteroids dangerous?
No, despite being classified as “potentially hazardous” by NASA (a term used for objects larger than 150 metres that come within 4.6 million miles of earth), these asteroids pose no immediate threat to our planet.
How can I see them?
The larger asteroids, (415029) 2011 UL21, might not be visible to the naked eye due to its distance. However, NASA provides a virtual asteroid tracker, and the Virtual Telescope Project will livestream the event.
The smaller asteroid, 2024 MK, could be visible with a small telescope if you have clear, dark skies.
What is asteroid day?
Asteroids Day is observed on June 30 and is endorsed by the United Nations. It commemorates the Tunguska event of 1908, when an asteroid exploded over Siberia, causing massive destruction. The day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of asteroid impacts.
