A massive asteroid is hurtling towards Earth at an alarming speed of 63986 kmph, and it is expected to come dangerously close today. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, three asteroids are scheduled to make their closest approach to Earth, with one of them being a colossal asteroid named 2023 MF1, measuring 120 feet in size.
Asteroid 2023 MF1 is set to come as close as 1.2 million miles to Earth today, June 25th. Discovered on June 19, 2023, this asteroid belongs to the Aten group and completes one orbit around the Sun in 297 days, as reported by Sky.org.
While the size and proximity of this asteroid may raise concerns, NASA has stated that it is not classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory designates potentially hazardous objects as space rocks that approach within 4.6 million miles of Earth and have a size larger than about 150 meters. However, even though asteroid 2023 MF1 does not fall under this category, a slight deviation from its set orbit could have catastrophic consequences if it were to collide with our planet.
To ensure the safety of Earth, NASA and other space agencies constantly track these asteroids. The NEO Observations Program, implemented by NASA, is dedicated to locating, monitoring, and analyzing Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) that may pose a risk to our planet. NASA’s NEOWISE telescope, along with the Deep Space Network radio telescopes and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico operated by the National Science Foundation, play crucial roles in gathering extensive data for the complete characterization of these asteroids.
Tracking asteroids is a challenging task, but with the help of advanced technology, NASA is able to detect potential threats and take necessary precautions. As the colossal asteroid 2023 MF1 races towards Earth, scientists and researchers will closely monitor its trajectory to ensure the safety of our planet.
What technological tools does NASA utilize to track and gather data on Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)
A gigantic asteroid is hurtling towards Earth at an astonishing speed of 63986 kmph, and it is expected to come dangerously close today. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, three asteroids are scheduled to make their closest approach to Earth, with one of them being a massive asteroid called 2023 MF1, measuring 120 feet in size.
Asteroid 2023 MF1 is set to come as close as 1.2 million miles to Earth today, June 25th. Discovered on June 19, 2023, this asteroid belongs to the Aten group and completes one orbit around the Sun in 297 days, according to Sky.org.
Although the size and proximity of this asteroid may raise concerns, NASA has stated that it is not classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory designates potentially hazardous objects as space rocks that approach within 4.6 million miles of Earth and have a size larger than about 150 meters. However, even though asteroid 2023 MF1 does not fall under this category, a slight deviation from its set orbit could have catastrophic consequences if it were to collide with our planet.
To ensure the safety of Earth, NASA and other space agencies constantly track these asteroids. The NEO Observations Program, implemented by NASA, is dedicated to locating, monitoring, and analyzing Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) that may pose a risk to our planet. NASA’s NEOWISE telescope, along with the Deep Space Network radio telescopes and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico operated by the National Science Foundation, play crucial roles in gathering extensive data for the complete characterization of these asteroids.
Tracking asteroids is a challenging task, but with the help of advanced technology, NASA is able to detect potential threats and take necessary precautions. As the colossal asteroid 2023 MF1 races towards Earth, scientists and researchers will closely monitor its trajectory to ensure the safety of our planet.
“Let’s hope NASA’s response includes detailed information on the asteroid’s trajectory and potential impact. Our collective safety relies on their expertise and swift action!”