Earth is extremely vulnerable to asteroid dangers. Objects orbiting closer than 7 million miles from Earth are considered dangerous. NASA, on the other hand, is working on a planned collision with an asteroid close to the earth’s orbit as part of the mission called the Double Asteroid Deflection Test (DART). The aim is to develop a defense system against celestial objects that may fall to the earth.
TWO ASTEROIDS THE SIZE OF SKYSCRAPPERS ARE APPROACHING TO EARTH
According to the news of TRT Haber based on Sciencealert, two skyscraper-sized asteroids are approaching Earth. One will make its closest pass today, and the second on Saturday, July 30.
The first asteroid, designated 2016 CZ31, will make its close pass today and fly at an estimated speed of 55,618 kilometers per hour.
Astronomers estimate the asteroid to be about 122 meters at its widest point.
The asteroid will safely bypass our planet at a close proximity of approximately 2,800,000 kilometers from Earth, or more than seven times the average distance between Earth and the Moon.
According to NASA, this space rock gets closer to Earth every few years, and its next approach is expected in January 2028.
SECOND, FURTHER FROM THE WORLD THAN THE OTHER
On Saturday, a second larger-than-usual asteroid will pass near our planet, albeit at a greater distance from Earth than the other.
Named 2013 CU83, this asteroid is about 183 meters in diameter at its widest visible point and will pass at a distance of about 6,960,000 kilometers from Earth, or about 18 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon.
This huge space rock will travel at 21,168 kilometers per hour.
NASA and other space agencies are keeping a close eye on thousands of near-Earth objects like these.