NASA warns of five asteroids approaching Earth this week at high speed; check details

(Representative Image: Canva)

Imagine a cosmic dance taking place just beyond our skies. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is keeping a vigilant eye on five asteroids that will come close to Earth in the coming days. Though these space rocks are not expected to pose any threat, their proximity offers a valuable chance for scientific study and observation.

Asteroid 2020 RL: Airplane-Size Space Rock

Asteroid 2020 RL, roughly 92 feet across, will pass Earth at a safe distance of 2,910,000 kilometres. Despite its classification as potentially hazardous due to its size, there is no cause for concern.

• Approximate Size: 92 feet
• Closest Earth Approach: 2,910,000 kilometres
• Date of Closest Approach: August 27, 2024

Asteroid 2021 RA10: Airplane-Size Space Rock

With a similar size to 2020 RL, Asteroid 2021 RA10 also measures about 92 feet. It will safely approach Earth from 1,620,000 kilometres away.

• Approximate Size: 92 feet
• Closest Earth Approach: 1,620,000 kilometres
• Date of Closest Approach: August 28, 2024

Asteroid 2012 SX49: House-Size Space Rock

Asteroid 2012 SX49, around 64 feet wide, will make its closest approach at a distance of 2,660,000 kilometres.

• Approximate Size: 64 feet
• Closest Earth Approach: 2,660,000 kilometres
• Date of Closest Approach: August 29, 2024

Asteroid 2016 RJ20: Airplane-Size Space Rock

Measuring about 210 feet in diameter, Asteroid 2016 RJ20 will pass Earth from a distance of 4,340,000 kilometres.

• Approximate Size: 210 feet
• Closest Earth Approach: 4,340,000 kilometres
• Date of Closest Approach: August 30, 2024

Asteroid 2021 JT: Bus-Size Space Rock

Asteroid 2021 JT, with a width of approximately 38 feet, will make its closest approach from 3,890,000 kilometres away.

• Approximate Size: 38 feet
• Closest Earth Approach: 3,890,000 kilometres
• Date of Closest Approach: September 1, 2024

NASA’s JPL will continue to track these asteroids closely. While none pose a threat to our planet, their near approaches provide an excellent opportunity for research and observation, highlighting the significance of ongoing space monitoring.