NASA has warned that a massive 260-foot wide Asteroid 2022 RW will make its closest approach to Earth on September 5. Does this terrifyingly big asteroid pose any danger? Know here.
NASA has warned that a gigantic 260-foot wide asteroid will pass by the Earth tomorrow, on September 5. The space agency keeps a constant eye on all the upcoming asteroids that may pose a threat to the Earth. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this terrifying Near-Earth object has been named Asteroid 2022 RW which is estimated to be up to 260-foot (79 mtr) in diameter. According to the report, it will make its closest approach to Earth at 6.98 million miles and it will be travelling at a mind-numbing speed of 11.20 km per second. Will this asteroid hit us? Does it pose any threat to the Earth? Here’s what NASA experts say.
Asteroid 2022 RW to make close approach towards Earth
While looking at the massive size of the asteroid, it can definitely cause huge damage if it hits the Earth. However, it is only possible if it deviates from its orbital path, which is a rare chance. Moreover, the good news is the estimated close approach distance between the asteroid and Earth is not too near even though NASA is expected to keep tracking it in case of any deviation from its path for any reason.
According to NASA, an asteroid which approaches the Earth within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) and has size larger than about 150 meters (more than 492-foot), is termed a potentially hazardous object. Hence, Asteroid 2022 RW with a 260-foot diameter is not a potential threat to the Earth. Having said that, even a 260-foot asteroid can do great damage on Earth if it were to collide, especially in crowded places like cities.
However, there are several other asteroids that are hurtling towards the Earth in the coming days. An 82-foot wide asteroid is set to make its close approach tomorrow. And how close will it come to Earth? Just 3.52 million miles.
Another asteroid 2022 QU5, which is 97-foot wide, will get as close as 4.57 million miles.
Asteroid FACTS
Do you know that asteroids are also called planetoids? These rocky rubbles revolving around the sun are too small to be called planets, hence, these can be known as planetoids or minor planets too. However, despite this, these space monster rocks can be dangerous to Earth, just like the Chicxulub asteroid, which ended the era of dinosaurs.
