• NASA ALERT! 290-feet asteroid LY2 speeding towards Earth at the speed of 28,156 km/hr

    OffBeat
    NASA ALERT! 290-feet asteroid LY2 speeding towards Earth at the speed of 28,156 km/hr
    This is not the first time an asteroid from the Apollo group has approached Earth. Previously, 2024 MG1, also from this group, passed by our planet.


    Digital Desk: Once again, a large asteroid approximately 290 feet in size is approaching Earth at high speed, scheduled to pass by on July 23, 2024, at 07:52 UTC (1:22 PM IST). Known as 2024 LY2, this asteroid belongs to the Apollo group, a category of asteroids whose orbits bring them closer to Earth.

    2024 LY2 is moving at a speed exceeding 28,000 km/h, and its closest approach to Earth will be about 4.5 million kilometers. Classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO), Apollo asteroids like 2024 LY2 are closely monitored due to their potential proximity to our planet.

    This is not the first time an asteroid from the Apollo group has approached Earth. Previously, 2024 MG1, also from this group, passed by our planet.

    NASA has identified 2024 LY2 as a potentially hazardous asteroid and is closely tracking its trajectory due to its substantial size. Surveillance efforts involving telescopes and radar systems are in place to monitor its path and assess any potential risks to Earth.

    The space agency, in collaboration with other organizations, continually gathers data on NEOs. Key missions such as the Catalina Sky Survey and NASA's NEOWISE mission play crucial roles in tracking asteroids.

    Despite its size, 2024 LY2 is not expected to collide with Earth. NASA's planetary defense measures will benefit from this asteroid's flyby, enhancing our understanding of its characteristics. Rest assured, NASA is vigilantly monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond swiftly to any potential risks.