Two giant asteroids are approaching Earth, Here's how to spot the 'Planet Killer' this weekend
astronomers and sky enthusiasts are gearing up for an extraordinary celestial event as the "Planet Killer" asteroid 2011 UL21 makes a close approach to Earth. Estimated to be one of the largest asteroids of its kind, with a diameter of approximately 2.5 kilometers, it orbits the sun every three years. Despite its size, it will pass by Earth at a safe distance of 4.1 million miles, which is about 17 times farther than the distance to the moon.
Recent observations by astronomers in South Africa have identified the asteroid known as 2024 MK, a celestial object that has captured attention due to its potential impact risks. Discovered just weeks ago, this asteroid measures significantly smaller than the mountain-sized 2011 UL21 asteroid that recently made headlines. Despite its smaller size, experts warn that 2024 MK could still cause «considerable damage» if it were to collide with Earth, according to assessments by the European Space Agency and MIT Technology Review.
An asteroid about its size could wipe out a city, according to the MIT Technology Review. When the mountain-sized asteroid was discovered in 2011, it was classified as «potentially hazardous.» An asteroid its size would have «worldwide effects» if it collided with the Earth, according to NASA.
The European Space Agency has classified 2024 MK as «potentially hazardous,» emphasizing the significant global consequences if an asteroid of its size were to impact our planet. NASA underscores that an asteroid of similar dimensions could potentially have
