NASA Warns: 100ft Asteroid Speeds Toward Earth at Alarming Velocity

NASA has issued a warning after spotting a 100-foot asteroid named 2024 NB2, set to make a very close flyby of Earth on Saturday (July 13).

This airplane-sized asteroid is traveling at a remarkable speed of 47,921 kilometers per hour. Despite its proximity to Earth, scientists believe it does not pose an immediate threat to the planet.

Astronomers first detected asteroid 2024 NB2 approaching Earth at the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California has been closely monitoring this near-Earth object.

When the asteroid makes its closest approach, it will be just 2,390,000 miles (3,850,000 kilometers) away from Earth, a distance considered safe in astronomical terms.

Asteroid 2024 NB2 is also being tracked by the Goldstone Solar System Radar, part of NASA’s Deep Space Network located near Barstow. This radar system provides detailed observations of the asteroid’s size, orbit, and speed.

Such observations are crucial for understanding how near-Earth objects behave in space and for improving planetary defense strategies.

How does NASA monitor potential hazards to Earth?
The trajectory of Asteroid 2024 NB2 highlights the importance of monitoring space for potential hazards. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) tracks such cosmic objects to ensure Earth’s safety.

The high speed of the asteroid illustrates the dynamic nature of our solar system, where asteroids constantly move and are influenced by the gravitational pull of planets. By understanding their movements, scientists can predict future trajectories and assess potential risks.