As space enthusiasts and scientists continue to monitor the cosmos, NASA has issued a warning about five massive asteroids moving towards Earth. These space rocks are expected to pass by our planet over the coming days. While these asteroids are not predicted to collide with Earth, their proximity underscores the importance of ongoing space observation and tracking.
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Asteroid 2024 PN1, approximately 86 feet in size, will pass Earth at a distance of about 2,430,000 kilometres on August 8th.
Asteroid 2024 KH3, with a size of roughly 600 feet, is set to fly by Earth at a distance of 5,580,000 kilometres on August 10th.
Asteroid 2024 PK1, measuring around 110 feet, will pass by Earth at a distance of 6,460,000 kilometres on August 10th.
Asteroid 2024 ON2, with a width of about 130 feet, will make its closest approach to Earth at a distance of 6,730,000 kilometres on August 12th.
Asteroid 2024 PS1, approximately 58 feet wide, will pass Earth at a distance of 1,360,000 kilometres on August 13th.
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To track and assess the risks posed by asteroids, NASA relies on its Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). This centre gathers data from observatories worldwide, including contributions from amateur astronomers. Major NASA-funded observatories, such as Pan-STARRS, the Catalina Sky Survey, and NASA’s NEOWISE mission, provide the bulk of tracking data. Future observations will be enhanced by the NEO Surveyor mission. Additionally, radar projects, such as JPL’s Goldstone Solar System Radar Group, play a vital role in NASA’s efforts to monitor NEOs.