NASA Alerts: 210-Foot, airplane-sized asteroid approaching Earth today

NASA's Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Something the size of an airplane is heading our way. But there’s no need for panic—scientists say it will miss us. Still, the skies are alive with watchful eyes.

NASA has confirmed asteroid 2018 BY6 will pass Earth on 19 July. The rock, measuring around 210 feet across, will come within 3.27 million kilometres. While that sounds far, it’s considered close by space standards. Its speed? Around 16,588 miles per hour.

Close but not Dangerous, Say Experts
The asteroid belongs to the Aten group, which includes objects that often cross Earth’s path. But NASA says this one poses no threat. To be considered risky, an asteroid must be within 7.4 million kilometres and over 85 metres wide. 2018 BY6 doesn’t qualify on either count. Even so, scientists will track it closely. A tiny shift in orbit could mean something very different next time.

ISRO Eyes Future Threats with Global Support
Though this space rock is harmless, preparations never stop. India’s space agency, ISRO, is already thinking ahead. Chairman S. Somanath has stressed the need for strong planetary defence. ISRO is planning future missions to land on asteroids. These would help study threats and test how to stop them. Somanath hopes to work with NASA, ESA, and JAXA for the 2029 Apophis flyby.

For now, 2018 BY6 is just passing by. But space can surprise us, and the sky watchers never blink.