Once again a massive asteroid about 290 ft is coming towards Earth at full speed on July 23, 2024, at 07:52 UTC (1:22 PM IST). This asteroid named 2024 LY2 is part of the group called Apollo asteroid.
The speed at which the asteroid is moving is more than 28,000 km/h and the closest proximity it will have to Earth is around 4.5 million kilometres. Apollo is classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO) due to its orbit makes it closer to our home planet.
This is not the first asteroid to come towards Earth from the group of Apollo asteroid. 2024 MG1 was the asteroid that passed by Earth from this same group.
According to NASA, the 2024 LY2 asteroid is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid and is closely monitored by the space agency due to its significant size.
Tracking of this asteroid will prevent the potential risk to Earth. Due to the size of the asteroid, scientists have warned that collision with Earth will cause huge damage due to its composition. Using telescopes and radar systems the asteroid's trajectory is tracked.
The space agency along with other organizations are gathering data on NEOs. Catalina Sky Survey and NASA NEOWISE mission both are crucial missions contributing to the tracking.
Despite its size, 2024 LY2 is not anticipated to have an impact on Earth. NASA's planetary defence measures will benefit greatly from the asteroid's flyby, which will also advance our knowledge of this celestial body. You may be sure that NASA is keeping a close eye on things and will take prompt action to resolve any potential risks.
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