Giant, stadium-sized asteroid to fly past Earth tomorrow | All you need to know

When the asteroid passes by Earth, it will be 4:46 am on Tuesday in India.

Updated on: Dec 2, 2024, 20:11:54 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

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NASA is monitoring a “massive” asteroid which is set to pass by Earth on Tuesday. Scientists keeping a close eye on the asteroid have assured it poses no threat.

In this artistic rendering, two asteroids fly past Earth. (Representational Image)

Also Read: NASA launches mission to intercept ‘God of Chaos’ asteroid nearing Earth's orbit

The asteroid is called “447755 (2007 JX2),” a name given to it by scientists tracking it.

Here's all you need to know about it:

(1.) As per data presented by various sources, the asteroid is as massive as a 1300-feet stadium would be.

(2.) It is moving through space at an “immense” speed of 44,000 km/hr.

(3.) When it passes by Earth, it will be 4:46 am on Tuesday in India.

Also Read: India's first fully robotic telescope in Ladakh captures building-sized asteroid

(4.) The asteroid's distance from Earth will be 5.5 million (55 lakh) kilometers, more than 14 times the distance between the Earth and Moon.

(5.) While 5.5 million kilometers is still significantly close, it is a “safe” distance in the context of space.

(6.) Though there is no risk to Earth, NASA wants to study the asteroid because of its huge size, as well the path it travels.

Also Read: NASA warns of giant building-size asteroid approaching Earth today. Details here

(7.) Close meetings with such large asteroids occur once every 5 to 10 years.

How NASA tracks asteroids: For this, the US space agency uses the “Asteroid Watch Dashboard” to monitor the speed, direction and distance of an asteroid. The system helps scientists in making sure that they are aware of any potential risks.

Also Read: NASA smacked a spacecraft into an asteroid – and learned details about its 12-million-year history

It also has a DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission with which an asteroid can be diverted from its path, if required.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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