Latest In

Breaking News

NASA Warns Of Three Skyscraper-Sized Asteroids Headed Toward Earth

NASA warns of three skyscraper-sized asteroids headed toward Earth. However, the good news is that they will all miss our planet.

Author:Karan Emery
Reviewer:Daniel James
Mar 01, 2023
32.8K Shares
557.2K Views
NASA warns of three skyscraper-sized asteroids headed toward Earth. However, the good news is that they will all miss our planet.
The asteroids, known as 2021 CO, 2021 CC3, and 2021 CM3, are expected to fly past Earth this week, with 2021 CO being the largest of the three, measuring up to 427 feet (130 meters) in diameter. The other two asteroids are estimated to be around 144-213 feet (44-65 meters) in diameter.
According to NASA, the three asteroids are classified as Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), which are asteroids or comets that have orbits that come close to Earth's orbit. These objects are being constantly monitored by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) to ensure that they do not pose a threat to Earth.
Despite the size of these asteroids, they are not considered to be a major threat as they are expected to fly past Earth at a safe distance of millions of miles. However, NASA continues to monitor the skies for any potential threats.
The discovery of these asteroids is a reminder of the importance of NASA's asteroid detection and monitoring program. With the increasing number of NEOs being discovered each year, NASA is working hard to identify and track any objects that could potentially pose a threat to Earth.
In recent years, NASA has been working on a plan to deflect any potentially hazardous asteroids that may be on a collision course with Earth. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is set to launch later this year and will aim to test a technique known as the kinetic impactor method, which involves crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid to deflect its trajectory.
While the chances of an asteroid colliding with Earth are small, the potential consequences could be catastrophic. NASA's continued efforts to monitor and detect NEOs, as well as their plans to develop asteroid deflection techniques, are crucial in ensuring the safety and protection of our planet.

NASA warns of 3 skyscraper-sized asteroids headed toward Earth

The discovery of these three asteroids is a reminder that the threat of an asteroid impact on Earth is not just a theoretical possibility, but a real one. In fact, our planet has been hit by asteroids before, with devastating consequences. The most famous example is the asteroid that struck the Earth 66 million years ago, causing the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species.
While the chances of a catastrophic asteroid impact happening in our lifetime are small, they are not zero. That's why NASA and other space agencies around the world are investing in programs to detect, track, and potentially deflect any asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.
One of the challenges in detecting and tracking asteroids is that they are often difficult to spot until they are very close to Earth. That's why NASA has developed a variety of telescopes and other tools to help identify and track NEOs.
Another challenge is figuring out how to deflect an asteroid if one is found to be on a collision course with Earth. NASA's DART mission is just one example of the many proposed methods for asteroid deflection. Other ideas include using lasers or nuclear explosives to alter an asteroid's trajectory.
While these methods may sound like science fiction, they are based on real science and engineering principles. NASA and other space agencies have been testing and refining these techniques for years, and they are making progress towards being able to deflect an asteroid if needed.

Conclusion

While the recent news of three skyscraper-sized asteroids heading towards Earth may sound alarming, there is no need to panic as they are expected to pass by our planet at a safe distance. However, it is important to remember the potential threat of NEOs and the importance of NASA's ongoing efforts to monitor and detect any potential threats.
Jump to
Karan Emery

Karan Emery

Author
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field. With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community. Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks. Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Daniel James

Daniel James

Reviewer
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging. With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work. His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being. In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active. His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles