It is highly unlikely that a huge space rock will hit Earth in the near future.
NASA is watching the skies for any near-Earth objects that might threaten our planet. In space terms, asteroids are a few million miles away. On May 27, the space agency lists a close approach for a 1.1 mile wide asteroid labeled "7335 (1989 ja)".
It is not a threat to Earth. NASA would issue an official warning to the White House and other government agencies if it were, which is something the space agency has never done before.
The asteroid is visible through telescopes. The Virtual Telescope Project captured an image of the asteroid as it traveled closer to Earth. Near-Earth objects are those that pass 30 million miles from Earth's path.
Like most objects big or bright enough to be seen from millions of miles away, 1989 JA appears as a bright dot against the background of stars. The rock is 3.6 million miles away.
The near-Earth asteroid (7335) 1989 JA. Credit: The Virtual Telescope Project
A graphic of asteroid (7335) 1989 JA (on the red line trajectory) passing Earth and the moon. Credit: NASA / Center for Near Earth Object Studies
You can read more about space rocks and asteroids.
The passing asteroid will be streamed by The Virtual Telescope Project.
NASA is currently looking for asteroids that are smaller than a mile wide, but still pose a major threat to populated areas. Congress has directed NASA to find 90 percent of the near-Earth objects that are at least 140 meters wide. NASA-funded telescopes look for potentially threatening rocks of all sizes.
If they find them, we can move out of the way if the impact is imminent.
One day, if we have time, we might be able to get a future asteroid away from our planet.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
