NASA on Alert: Two Giant Asteroids Speed Towards Earth

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is closely monitoring a group of large asteroids, including two massive ones, that are speeding toward Earth. While these asteroids are expected to pass by without impacting the planet, their close approach provides valuable opportunities for scientific research.

One of the largest asteroids, named 2016 RJ20, measures about 210 feet in diameter. It is set to fly by Earth on August 30, passing at a distance of approximately 4.34 million kilometers. Another asteroid, 2021 JT, which is roughly the size of a bus and measures around 38 feet wide, will come close to Earth on September 1, at a distance of 3.89 million kilometers.

In addition to these, three other asteroids are also expected to make close approaches to Earth. Asteroid 2020 RL, which is about 110 feet in diameter (comparable to the size of an airplane), will fly by on August 27 at a distance of 4.68 million kilometers. Asteroid 2021 RA10, with a diameter of 92 feet, will pass at a distance of 2.61 million kilometers on August 28. Lastly, asteroid 2012 SX49, which is about the size of a house and measures 64 feet across, will come closest to Earth on August 29 at a distance of 4.29 million kilometers.

NASA’s JPL is keeping a close eye on these asteroids as they approach Earth, but none of them pose any threat to the planet. Instead, they offer valuable data for ongoing research and observation.

NASA tracks these near-Earth objects (NEOs) through a network of telescopes and advanced computing systems. While most NEOs don’t come close enough to pose a threat, some approach Earth at distances that are considered potentially hazardous, particularly if they are larger than 460 feet (140 meters) and pass within 7.5 million kilometers of the planet.

NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) continuously monitors these NEOs, assessing any potential risks of impact.