Alert: NASA Confirms Five Asteroids Heading Toward Earth This Week

This week, from August 27 to September 1, NASA has issued a warning that five large asteroids will make close approaches to Earth. These Near Earth Objects (NEOs) are being closely monitored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which has assured that although they will come near the Earth, they pose no threat.

The following asteroids are included in this week’s flyby lineup:

 

Asteroid 2020 RL

This near-Earth asteroid, measuring 110 feet in diameter, came closest to Earth on August 27. Despite its safe distance of 4.68 million km, its size and proximity provided a valuable opportunity for scientific study.

 

Asteroid 2021 RA10

Approaching next, on August 28, this asteroid will come within about 2.61 million km of Earth. With a diameter of 92 feet, roughly the length of an airplane, it is under continuous observation by NASA for any potential hazards.

 

Asteroid 2012 SX49

This house-sized asteroid, with a diameter of 64 feet, is scheduled to approach Earth on August 29, coming as close as 4.29 million km. While it poses no danger, its approach will help scientists gather important data for planetary defense efforts.

 

Asteroid 2016 RJ20

On August 30, this 64-foot wide asteroid, comparable in size to an airplane, will fly by Earth at a distance of approximately 6.99 million km.

 

Asteroid 2021 JT

The smallest of the group, measuring just 38 feet across, this asteroid will pass by Earth on September 1 at a distance of about 6.36 million km.

Asteroids are essentially rocky, icy bodies left over from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago. These NEOs are located in the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory plays a critical role in tracking these asteroids through the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). By using data from telescopes, CNEOS calculates the orbits of NEOs and assesses any potential threat they may pose to our planet.