Asteroid Heading Towards Earth
NASA recently issued a warning about two huge, airplane-sized asteroids approaching Earth. One of them is said to fly past Earth at an incredibly close distance on December 28.
The news has triggered public concern and interest, since the advanced monitoring systems of the space agency are tracking the objects. Here’s what you need to know about these celestial visitors, their potential impact, and ongoing efforts to safeguard Earth from asteroid threats.
They fall in the category of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).
These orbits take them close to Earth. The sizes of the two asteroids approximate that of a commercial airplane with diameters over 100 feet. This gives them the potential to be powerful objects capable of regional destruction in case they were to strike Earth.
Asteroids travel at incredible speeds. These two are no exception. The first asteroid, approaching on December 28, is estimated to be traveling at tens of thousands of miles per hour.
For comparison, the asteroid that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 entered the atmosphere at approximately 42,000 mph, releasing energy equivalent to 500 kilotons of TNT and injuring more than 1,000 people.
What Would Happen If They Hit Earth?
Depending upon these several factors such as an asteroid size with regard to its chemical make up, speed with an impact angle; it would then either blast off millions of tons of TNT in case the impact occurred on ground area.
In case such collision will land into ocean, cities flattened through asteroids would trigger big tsunamis of tidal waves. Fortunately, NASA’s calculations indicate that these specific asteroids will not impact Earth, though they will pass close enough to be closely watched.
How NASA Tracks Asteroids
NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is in charge of the discovery and tracking of NEOs. NASA employs ground-based telescopes and radar to monitor the sky for such objects that could pose a threat.
Once an asteroid has been identified, scientists calculate its orbit to predict its further paths and assess risks from potential collisions.
In recent years, NASA has improved its ability to discover asteroids by means of projects like the NEOWISE telescope and the near-future Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission.
These instruments will allow for the easier identification of smaller asteroids before they are closer, giving scientists more time to formulate mitigation plans if needed.
Close Calls in the Past
Not uncommon at all are close asteroid calls, yet some approaches frightfully near the planet. Early last December 2024 witnessed an event of a close passage when a 10-story asteroid sped past earth when its distance was nearly covered by that of the Moon.
At such speed of travel- 14,743mph; and having in itself all energy equal to 12million tons TNT-the whole catastrophic scenario if it hits has enough justification to get under a long, grim period of researching asteroid actions and movements.
The Role of Media and Public Reaction
This results in warnings on incoming asteroids appearing usually in the highlight of media headlines with dangers depicted sensationalized. This, unless put in very clear terms, will likely be an overreaction with a probable cause of sowing unwarranted fears.
Thus, while talking of “close encounters,” distance might be quoted in hundreds of millions of miles that is not close; hence, public interest in such affairs demands science-based information that explains urgency weighed with assurance.
International Cooperation in Planetary Defense
Most countries face the common threat of protecting Earth from asteroid impacts. Therefore, they have to cooperate across the globe.
Organizations working with each other to form such cooperation include the ESA and NASA, which recently launched the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) on methods of changing the trajectory of an asteroid in space.
It was in the year 2022, when NASA’s DART mission showed that it had the full capability to redirect the asteroid by just crashing it into one small spacecraft.
Countries around the world are investing in research and technology to enhance early warning systems and create response plans. Governments, space agencies, and private companies will have to work together to face future threats.
What’s Next?
As we count down to December 28, NASA and other observatories will continue observing those asteroids for their pathways and see that their tracks are not going to destroy.
Not having a straightforward potential threat in the short term makes it point out the dynamic nature of the solar system that could cause harm.
To make the earth a safe planet, the ongoing investments in space research, detection systems, and mitigation strategies are essential.
Study of these asteroids will give much insight into their behavior and enhance techniques to protect the earth from future impacts.
The recent alert about two airplane-sized asteroids shows that proper vigilance and preparation regarding space threats are of prime importance, though the probability for collision is small.
Using advanced technology and international coordination, along with education for a public growing increasingly involved in space research, there is an indication that it is taking proactive measures to neutralize these dangers and contribute to a safer future for all of humanity.
