A 990-foot asteroid travelling at a speed of 21,994 mph will make a close approach to Earth today, NASA confirms

Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Stargazers may soon look up with more curiosity. NASA has confirmed a giant asteroid is heading past Earth. The rock, named 1997 QK1, is nearly 990 feet wide. It will make its closest approach on 20 August.

NASA Confirms Speed and Distance of Asteroid 1997 QK1
The asteroid is travelling at 21,994 miles per hour. It will come within 1.8 million miles of Earth. This may sound far but is close in space terms. It belongs to the Aten group, known for Earth-crossing orbits. Experts stress it does not pose any danger. NASA only calls an object hazardous if it is closer than 7.4 million kilometres and wider than 85 metres.

Why Space Agencies Track Passing Asteroids Closely
Even harmless flybys are monitored carefully by scientists worldwide. A slight orbital shift can alter the path of an asteroid. That is why international space agencies continue their constant watch. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently shared future goals on this. India aims to study large asteroids like Apophis in 2029. Plans also include working with NASA, ESA and JAXA. Missions may even attempt to land on space rocks for study.

Though 1997 QK1 is not a present threat, it remains a reminder of space’s unpredictability. A calm night sky can change in moments. The asteroid’s visit underlines the value of strong monitoring. For now, it will pass safely while astronomers keep watch.