Asteroid set to pass Earth at a breakneck speed of 51636 kmph; NASA reveals size, other details
NASA says asteroids are ancient space rocks left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. While most space rocks are located in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, they can also come close to Earth on some occasions, potentially posing a threat to the planet. But how does this happen? NASA says that the orbits of asteroids can be changed by Jupiter’s massive gravity and by occasional close encounters with planets like Mars or other objects. These accidental encounters can knock asteroids out of the main belt and hurl them into space in all directions across the orbits of the other planets.
With the help of its advanced space and ground-based telescopes, NASA has now revealed that an asteroid is expected to pass Earth by a close margin today, January 16. Know the details of this close encounter.
Asteroid 2021 CZ2: Details of close approach
On a few occasions, the orbits of these asteroids bring them close to Earth, a phenomenon known as a ‘Close approach’. According to NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, an asteroid, given the designation of Asteroid 2021 CZ2, is on its way towards Earth and could pass Earth at a very close distance today, January 16.
As per the details, Asteroid 2021 CZ2 is expected to pass Earth by a distance of 3 million kilometers. It is already hurtling in its orbit at a speed of about 51636 kilometers per hour, which is much faster than an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)! In terms of size, this asteroid is almost 350 feet wide, which is almost as big as a building!
NASA has revealed that Asteroid 2021 CZ2 belongs to the Aten group of asteroids, which are Earth-crossing Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) with semi-major axes smaller than Earth’s. They are named after the asteroid 2062 Aten and the first of its kind was discovered by American astronomer Eleanor Helin at Palomar Observatory on January 7, 1976.
Shockingly, this will not be Asteroid 2021 CZ2’s first-ever close approach to Earth. It passed Earth for the first time ever on January 29, 1910, when it flew past the planet at a distance of 65 million kilometers. After today, this space rock will again pass the planet this year on July 13, at a distance of 72 million kilometers.
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NASA says asteroids are ancient space rocks left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. While most space rocks are located in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, they can also come close to Earth on some occasions, potentially posing a threat to the planet. But how does this happen? NASA says that the orbits of asteroids can be changed by Jupiter’s massive gravity and by occasional close encounters with planets like Mars or other objects. These accidental encounters can knock asteroids out of the main belt and hurl them into space in all directions across the orbits of the other planets.
With the help of its advanced space and ground-based telescopes, NASA has now revealed that an asteroid is expected to pass Earth by a close margin today, January 16. Know the details of this close encounter.
Asteroid 2021 CZ2: Details of close approach
On a few occasions, the orbits of these asteroids bring them close to Earth, a phenomenon known as a ‘Close approach’. According to NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, an asteroid, given the designation of Asteroid 2021 CZ2, is on its way towards Earth and could pass Earth at a very close distance today, January 16.
As per the details, Asteroid 2021 CZ2 is expected to pass Earth by a distance of 3 million kilometers. It is already hurtling in its orbit at a speed of about 51636 kilometers per hour, which is much faster than an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)! In terms of size, this asteroid is almost 350 feet wide, which is almost as big as a building!
NASA has revealed that Asteroid 2021 CZ2 belongs to the Aten group of asteroids, which are Earth-crossing Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) with semi-major axes smaller than Earth’s. They are named after the asteroid 2062 Aten and the first of its kind was discovered by American astronomer Eleanor Helin at Palomar Observatory on January 7, 1976.
Shockingly, this will not be Asteroid 2021 CZ2’s first-ever close approach to Earth. It passed Earth for the first time ever on January 29, 1910, when it flew past the planet at a distance of 65 million kilometers. After today, this space rock will again pass the planet this year on July 13, at a distance of 72 million kilometers.
Also read these top stories today:
Is Apple Watch banned or not? After the court case that led to the ban of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, Apple just got some relief! Know where things stand for Apple now. Read all about it here.
Trouble everywhere! The Earth is heating up, as is conflict in the Middle East. The world economy and Ukraine’s defense against Russia are sputtering along. Artificial intelligence (AI) could upend all our lives. The to-do list of global priorities has grown for this year’s edition of the World Economic Forum. Know where things stand here.
World Inc. is worried! Global CEOs are increasingly worried about the long-term viability of their businesses, a pre-Davos survey showed. Pressure is mounting from artificial intelligence (AI) and climate disruption. Read all about it here.
One more thing! We are now on WhatsApp Channels! Follow us there so you never miss any updates from the world of technology. To follow the HT Tech channel on WhatsApp, click here to join now!
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