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Asteroids Alert! NASA tracks 3 large asteroids racing towards Earth today!

NASA is tracking three asteroids namely 2026 ET2, 2026 EY2 and 2026 CR3 to pass Earth on March 16, 2026. Will they hit Earth? Know more here.
March 16, 2026 / 07:01 IST
Three asteroids will make a close approach to Earth on 16th March. (Image: Canva)
Snapshot AI
  • Three asteroids will safely pass Earth on March 16, 2026.
  • NASA confirms no threat from large asteroids.
  • Asteroids offer scientists a chance to study near-Earth objects.

NASA scientists are closely tracking three asteroids that will make close approaches to Earth on March 16, 2026. The space rocks vary in size from bus-sized to airplane-sized. According to NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the objects will safely pass Earth and pose no threat to the planet. These three asteroids are being monitored as part of NASA’s ongoing effort to track near-Earth objects.

Know about the Asteroids

Here’s a brief look at each asteroid, followed by key explanations and about how they impact our life on Earth:

Asteroid (2026 ET2): Bus-Size Space Rock

Asteroid (2026 ET2) is about 25 feet wide, roughly the size of a large bus. It will make its closest approach to Earth on March 16, but at a safe distance. The approximate size of this asteriod is 25 feet. It is approaching Earth at a distance of 495,000 miles.

Asteroid (2026 EY2): Another Bus-Size Space Rock

The second asteroid, (2026 EY2), is slightly larger than ET2. It measures about 34 feet in diameter and will also pass Earth on the same day. The asteroid is approximately 34 feet wide and will make its closest approach to Earth at a distance of 987,000 miles.

Asteroid (2026 CR3): Airplane-Size Space Rock

The largest asteroid in this group is (2026 CR3). Scientists estimate it to be about 230 feet wide, roughly comparable to the size of a large airplane. Despite its size, it will pass millions of miles away from Earth. The approximate size of this asteroid is 230 feet. It will make its closest approach to Earth at a distance of 4,640,000 miles.

Is Earth in Danger from These Asteroids?

No, these asteroids are passing at safe distances. Even the largest in this group will remain millions of miles away. Scientists monitor them closely to ensure Earth stays safe.

Why tracking these Asteroids matters? 

Scientists at NASA continuously monitor near-Earth objects to understand their paths and ensure planetary safety. Although these three asteroids will pass safely by Earth, such close approaches give astronomers valuable opportunities to study the size, shape and movement of space rocks.

MC Science Desk Read the latest and trending science news—stay updated on NASA, ISRO, space missions, planets, asteroids, black holes, AI, quantum physics, galaxy discoveries, and more exciting breakthroughs.
first published: Mar 16, 2026 07:00 am

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