100-foot Asteroid to Skim Past Earth at High Speed, Warns NASA

NASA Issues Warning: 100-Foot Asteroid to Pass 'Extremely Close' to Earth in 2024

Washington, D.C. - NASA scientists have issued a warning about an asteroid, designated as 2024 NB2, which is set to pass "extremely close" to Earth on July 13, 2024. The asteroid, approximately 100 feet in diameter, will come within 3,850,000 kilometers of our planet, traveling at a blistering speed of 47,921 kilometers per hour (29,800 miles per hour).

Discovery and Monitoring

2024 NB2 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey, a NASA-funded program that monitors the skies for potential near-Earth objects (NEOs). Since its discovery, the asteroid has been closely monitored by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California and the Goldstone Solar System Radar in the Mojave Desert.

Importance of Tracking NEOs

This event underscores the importance of tracking NEOs, which are asteroids or comets that pass relatively close to Earth. By understanding the behavior of these objects, scientists can better predict their potential for impact and develop strategies to mitigate any risks they may pose.

Planetary Defense Measures

NASA and other space agencies worldwide are actively working on planetary defense measures to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts. These efforts include:

* Monitoring and tracking NEOs

* Developing spacecraft capable of intercepting and deflecting asteroids

* Conducting research to better understand the behavior of asteroids

Reassurance from NASA

NASA emphasized that while 2024 NB2 will pass close to Earth, it poses no immediate threat. According to current projections, the asteroid is not expected to impact our planet. However, scientists will continue to monitor its trajectory closely and provide updates as needed.

Call for Continued Collaboration

NASA called for continued collaboration among space agencies, scientific institutions, and governments to enhance planetary defense capabilities. By working together, the international community can improve its ability to detect, track, and mitigate any potential asteroid threats.

Statement from NASA Administrator

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "NASA's planetary defense program is a critical component of our mission to protect Earth and its inhabitants. We will continue to invest in research, technology, and partnerships to ensure we are prepared for any potential asteroid impacts."

Additional Information

* For more information about NASA's planetary defense program, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/planetary-defense

* To track the trajectory of 2024 NB2, visit: https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/ca/

Short Description

🚨 Asteroid Alert! 🚨

NASA warns of a 100-foot asteroid (2024 NB2) passing by Earth on July 13, 2024, at a whopping 47,921 km/h! 😱

Thanks to our vigilant scientists at Catalina Sky Survey, we're tracking it closely. It'll come within 3,850,000 km, showing us the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects for planetary defense. 🔭🚀

#Asteroids #SpaceNews
#AsteroidApproachingEarth #NEARobject #SpaceAwareness #PlanetaryDefense #NASAWarning #CatalinaSkySurvey #GoldstoneSolarSystemRadar