NASA detects a high-speed asteroid approaching Earth

Jakarta (Lampost.co) – NASA is again monitoring the movement of a asteroid high speed, namely 2024 QW2. A small rock the size of a bus will come in Earth. The asteroid is about 21 feet long and moving at a speed of 60,968 km per hour.

Although its proximity to Earth raises concerns, NASA clarified that the asteroid is not a direct threat to our planet.

Based on NASA calculations, the asteroid 2024 TW2 will pass the Earth at a distance of 288,000 kilometers. That distance is closer than the average distance between the Earth and the Moon, which is usually around 384,400 kilometers.

No harm to the Earth

NASA ensures that the asteroid will be relatively close, but its small size means that it is not included in the “Potentially Hazardous Asteroid” (PHA) category.

Asteroids like 2024 TW2 are part of a group of near-Earth objects (NEOs) that NASA and other space agencies keep a close eye on to identify potential hazards.

Although 2024 TW2 has a high speed and a short distance to Earth, its size of only 21 feet means that the chances of it causing damage are very small.

If the asteroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere it will also burn up before reaching the surface and will not cause significant damage.

NASA also emphasizes that asteroids that are considered Hazardous Hazards usually measure more than 460 feet (about 140 meters). In addition, it has an orbital distance of 7.5 million kilometers from Earth. However, the asteroid 2024 TW2 does not meet these criteria so there is no need to worry about a possible collision.

NASA, through the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), is developing a network of telescopes and sophisticated computer systems to continuously monitor potential Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). in danger.

Although most NEOs are harmless, NASA still pays more attention to asteroids that approach critical distances from Earth.

The observing network is not only from NASA, but also collaborates with other international space agencies. This is to ensure global monitoring of potentially dangerous space objects.