Urgent asteroid alert from NASA! A massive 40-foot, bus-sized asteroid is heading towards Earth at high speed today

Asteroid (Representative Image - Canva)

A bus-sized asteroid is set to pass Earth on 19 October. Named 2024 TY21, the asteroid is around 40 feet wide. It will pass at a safe distance of 840,000 miles. NASA assures that there is no threat to Earth.

Asteroids, also called minor planets, orbit the Sun within our solar system. They are rocky remnants from the solar system’s formation, 4.6 billion years ago. Unlike planets, asteroids do not have an atmosphere. Their size and structure can vary greatly, with many remaining unchanged since their early formation.

NASA’s Role in Asteroid Monitoring

NASA closely monitors asteroid movements using advanced observation tools. This allows scientists to predict any potential risk to Earth. Historic events, like the Chicxulub asteroid, show why monitoring is vital. This asteroid, which caused the extinction of dinosaurs, highlights the importance of NASA's efforts.

NASA and other space agencies study potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). Although 2024 TY21 poses no threat, its close approach is valuable. The data collected will help improve future prediction models. Understanding asteroids is crucial to Earth’s future protection from impacts.