NASA Alerts: Massive 990-foot, stadium-sized asteroid on potential Earth collision path– Check date here

Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Looking up at the night sky can feel peaceful. But sometimes, news from space makes people pause and listen closely. A huge asteroid is now heading towards Earth, and scientists are tracking it carefully.

NASA Confirms 1997 QK1’s Path
NASA says asteroid 1997 QK1 measures nearly 990 feet wide. It is moving at 21,994 miles per hour and will pass our planet on 20 August. The closest it will come is about 1.87 million miles away. That is a safe distance, though close by space standards. The rock is part of the Aten group, which crosses Earth’s orbit. Experts confirm it poses no threat.

Why Asteroids Are Closely Monitored
Even harmless flybys are closely observed by space agencies. A small shift in orbit can change a rock’s course. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath says India plans to study bigger asteroids in future. This includes Apophis, expected in 2029, with cooperation from NASA, ESA and JAXA. India also aims to send missions to land on asteroids.

A Reminder of Space’s Surprises
The approach of 1997 QK1 is safe but significant. It is a reminder that the calm night sky can change without warning. While this asteroid will pass without incident, scientists will be watching every moment.