📷 Image Credits: Times Now
Astronomers and scientists at NASA are on high alert as a massive aeroplane-sized asteroid, named 2022 YS5, is gearing up for an extremely close approach towards Earth today. With its significant size and proximity to our planet, many are intrigued by the details surrounding this cosmic event.
The asteroid, measuring about 260 feet in diameter, is set to pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 4.1 million miles, which is approximately 17 times the distance between the Moon and Earth. Discovered in 2022, this asteroid is expected to provide valuable insights into planetary defense practices as well as key information about its size, orbit, rotation, and composition.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California has been closely monitoring 2022 YS5, alongside another asteroid, 2011 UL21, which recently had a close encounter with Earth. The radar observations conducted by the Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar have revealed fascinating details about these celestial objects, including the presence of a moonlet orbiting 2011 UL21.
Despite the potentially hazardous classification of 2011 UL21, calculations show that it poses no immediate threat to Earth. The observations made by JPL scientists have shed light on the binary nature of this asteroid and provided crucial data for understanding its formation and structure.
In a rare occurrence, the asteroid 2024 MK passed by Earth at a distance of only 184,000 miles, slightly more than three-quarters of the distance between the Moon and Earth. This elongated asteroid, approximately 500 feet wide, displayed unique surface features such as concavities, ridges, and boulders, offering a closer look into its physical properties.
As we witness these cosmic events unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of planetary defense efforts and the need for continuous monitoring of near-Earth objects. NASA’s commitment to exploring the unknown in space, innovating for humanity’s benefit, and inspiring discovery remains unwavering, as we strive to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Stay tuned for more updates on asteroid 2022 YS5 and other celestial phenomena on HeadlineFly.com, your go-to source for the latest science and technology news!
