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Earth always skipped by asteroid any time. However, sometimes there are some asteroids that attract the attention of astronomers because of their large size and their orbital distances are very close to Earth for astronomical measurements.
Because the threat of this giant asteroid can be unpredictable, NASA has a special agency to monitor near-Earth asteroids called the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). The main function of CNEOS is to calculate the orbits of asteroids and comets and the probability of these objects hitting Earth.
In recent years, CNEOS and several other space agencies have reported incidents of giant asteroids approaching Earth. Here are five asteroid events that hit the Earth, which are summarized: detikINET from various sources, Saturday (29/5/2021).
1. Asteroid 2020 QG
Asteroid 2020 QG may be only the size of an SUV. But this space object is an asteroid that crossed Earth with the closest distance of 2,950 km.
2020 QG passed on August 16, 2020 and this asteroid was only discovered by astronomers on the same day. Although its size is only 3-6 meters, this asteroid is quite fast approaching Earth at a speed of 44,000 km / hour.
2. Duet asteroid 2011 ES4 and asteroid 2020 QG5
On September 1, 2020, the Earth was crushed by two asteroids, namely asteroid 2011 ES4 and 2020 QG5. Fortunately, these two asteroids passed within a safe distance and did not harm Earth.
Asteroid 2011 ES4 has a diameter of about 22-49 meters, the equivalent of a large house. This space object crossed the Earth with a distance of 120,000 km, closer than the distance between the Earth and the Moon which is about 384,000 km.
On the same day, the asteroid 2011 ES4 crossed Earth accompanied by 2020 QG5. This asteroid has a smaller size than 2011 ES4 and its trajectory distance is even further, namely 2.9 million km.
3. Asteroid 2020 SW
Asteroid this is another celestial body that passes Earth at a very close distance. On September 24, 2020, the asteroid 2020 SW hit Earth at a distance of 22,000 km or lower from the position of the satellite in orbit.
So close, Earth’s gravity will bend the asteroid’s trajectory, but not to the point of harm. Fortunately, the size of this asteroid is also relatively small, with a diameter of between 4.4 meters and 9.9 meters.
4. Asteroid 2002 FO32
On March 21, 2021, the asteroid 2001 FO32 safely crossed Earth. This asteroid has received attention because it is called the largest asteroid that will approach Earth this year and its movement is very fast.
Asteroid 2022 FO32 has a diameter of 1 km, equivalent to the length of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA. When approaching Earth, this asteroid moves at a speed of about 123,887 km / h or 34.4 km / sec.
At its closest point, asteroid 2002 FO32 is about 2 million km from Earth. This asteroid will return to Earth in 31 years, to be precise on March 22, 2052.
5. Asteroid 99942 Apophis aka ‘God of Chaos’
Asteroid 99942 Apophis has crossed Earth safely on March 5, 2021 ago. But this asteroid remains a concern for astronomers because it has the potential to hit Earth in 2068.
Apophis is a giant asteroid with a diameter of about 350 meters which was first discovered in 2004. Its name is taken from the Ancient Egyptian God Aphopis who has the nickname ‘God of Chaos’.
During his visit this time, Apophis approached Earth with a distance of 16.9 million km. But in the next few decades Apophis’ distance from Earth will be getting closer.
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will approach Earth with a distance of only 31,000 km or about a tenth of the distance from Earth to the Moon. At that second approach Apophis would be visible to the naked eye.
NASA initially predicted Apophis would have a strong potential to hit Earth in 2068. But thanks to the latest observational data, NASA has confirmed asteroid it won’t hit Earth in 2068 and at least won’t hit Earth until 100 years later. Horrible!
Watch Videos”NASA Will Bring Asteroids to Earth for Study“
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