NASA alerts of a 110-foot, airplane-sized asteroid approaching Earth at a dangerous speed today

Asteroid speeding towards earth (Representative Image: Canva)

In a recent alert, NASA has highlighted the close approach of a near-Earth asteroid, designated 2020 RL, which is expected to pass by our planet on August 27. With an estimated width of 110 feet, roughly the size of a house, this asteroid is set to come within approximately 2.91 million miles of Earth. Though this distance may seem considerable, in the vast expanse of space, it’s relatively close, warranting NASA’s vigilant observation.

Asteroid 2020 RL’s Close Encounter with Earth

Classified under the Apollo group—a collection of asteroids known for their paths that frequently intersect Earth’s orbit—2020 RL is hurtling through space at an incredible speed of about 18,386 miles per hour. While the gap between Earth and this asteroid is about three times the distance to the Moon, it still qualifies as a near-Earth object (NEO), prompting NASA to maintain a careful watch. The proximity of this asteroid, in cosmic terms, emphasises the importance of continuous monitoring, even when the chances of impact are minimal.

NASA’s Vigilance in Protecting Earth

NASA, in collaboration with other global space agencies, employs a comprehensive network of telescopes and advanced computational systems to keep track of these NEOs. Although the majority pose no immediate danger, any object within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) of Earth and larger than 460 feet (140 metres) is subject to thorough analysis. The Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at NASA plays a critical role in tracking these celestial bodies, ensuring that potential risks are identified and assessed well before they can pose any threat to our planet.