Statue of Liberty-sized asteroid zooms towards Earth at breakneck speed; NASA issues warning
NASA has issued a warning regarding asteroid 2024 MT1, a significant celestial object hurtling towards Earth at an astonishing speed of 65,215 km/h. Measuring approximately 260 feet in diameter, equivalent to the size of the Statue of Liberty, this asteroid was first identified by NASA's Near-Earth Object Observations Program. This program utilizes a network of ground-based telescopes and radar systems to monitor and characterize asteroids and comets that approach Earth.
Monitoring and Predictions
Despite concerns raised by the discovery of asteroid 2024 MT1 due to its size and velocity, NASA has reassured the public that there is no immediate danger of a collision with Earth. The trajectory of the asteroid is closely monitored by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California.
Through the JPL's Asteroid Watch dashboard, real-time data on the asteroid's position, speed, and distance from Earth is provided. On July 8, 2024, asteroid 2024 MT1 is expected to pass approximately 937,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth, which is roughly four times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
Planetary Defense Efforts
Asteroids of this size are categorized as potentially hazardous due to the extensive damage they could cause upon impact with Earth. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) collaborates actively with international space agencies and research institutions to develop strategies for deflecting and preventing such threats.
NASA captures detailed images
Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com
