NASA Asteroid Alert
NASA has issued an alert about a massive asteroid named 2024 VY2, measuring about 170 feet, roughly the size of an aeroplane. This asteroid is set to make its closest approach to Earth on November 24 at 6:35 AM IST. While it will not collide with our planet, its swift movement and proximity make it a fascinating subject for astronomers.
Asteroid 2024 VY2 will pass Earth at a distance of approximately 6,260,000 kilometres. To put it into perspective, this distance is about 16 times farther than the average space between Earth and the Moon.
Travelling at a speed of 47,644 km/h, the asteroid provides researchers a rare opportunity to observe such a large celestial body up close. NASA has assured that the asteroid poses no threat to our planet, even at its closest point.
Also read: SpaceX launches ISRO’s GSAT-20 satellite, aims to enhance India’s communication infrastructure
Asteroid 2024 VY2 is labelled a Near-Earth Object (NEO) because its orbit brings it within 48.3 million kilometres of Earth’s path around the Sun. NEOs include both asteroids and comets that come relatively close to Earth. While most NEOs, including 2024 VY2, are harmless, tracking them is crucial for understanding potential risks.
NASA takes the monitoring of asteroids like 2024 VY2 seriously as part of its planetary defence strategy. Using advanced ground-based and space-based telescopes, scientists keep a close eye on NEOs to evaluate any possible dangers they might pose in the future.
Also read: NASA unveils full-scale prototype telescope that aims to detect gravitational waves
To enhance these efforts, NASA is working on the NEO Surveyor Mission, scheduled for launch in 2028. This mission aims to improve the detection and tracking of potentially hazardous objects. The data gathered will be critical for planning defence strategies to protect Earth from future threats.
Though 2024 VY2 will pass safely, its journey offers scientists an incredible chance to deepen their understanding of asteroids.