Asteroid AB 2025 Set for a Thrilling Close Encounter, Passing Just 1.2 Million Miles from Earth
Asteroid 2025 AB, a 42-foot Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA), is set to make its closest approach to Earth today, passing just 1.2 Million away. This proximity offers scientists a valuable opportunity to study the asteroid up close, enhancing our understanding of these celestial bodies.
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What are Near-Earth Asteroids?
Near-Earth Asteroids are asteroids that orbit the Sun within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) of Earth, approximately 45 million kilometers. Asteroid 2025 AB belongs to the Aten class, characterized by a semi-major axis of less than 1.0 AU and an aphelion (the farthest point from the Sun) greater than 0.983 AU. This classification is named after 2062 Aten, the first of its kind discovered in 1976.
Studying asteroids is crucial for understanding the origins and evolution of our solar system. These celestial bodies are remnants from the early solar system formation processes, providing clues about planetary evolution. Additionally, monitoring asteroids helps assess and mitigate potential collision risks with Earth, thereby protecting our planet from catastrophic impacts.
How NASA Monitor Asteroids
NASA continuously monitors asteroids and other space objects whose orbits bring them close to Earth. Advanced radar systems, such as the Goldstone and Arecibo radars, are employed to track asteroid paths and
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