Mile-wide asteroid to make close encounter with Earth
Mile-wide asteroid to make close encounter with Earth
Measuring 1.1 miles in diameter, it is four times the size of the Empire State Building and as large as Plum Island off the coast of New York.
Measuring 1.1 miles in diameter, it is four times the size of the Empire State Building and as large as Plum Island off the coast of New York.
, it will make its approach toward Earth, traveling 20 times faster than a speeding bullet.
, it will make its approach toward Earth, traveling 20 times faster than a speeding bullet.
No need to panic, however. Asteroid 7335, as it is officially called, will safely pass our planet, missing Earth by about 2.5 million miles, astronomers say.
No need to panic, however. Asteroid 7335, as it is officially called, will safely pass our planet, missing Earth by about 2.5 million miles, astronomers say.
Still, it is one of a small number of near-Earth objects, or NEOs, that NASA has labeled as “potentially hazardous.”
Still, it is one of a small number of near-Earth objects, or NEOs, that NASA has labeled as “potentially hazardous.”
Such objects are defined as asteroids that measure at least 460 feet across and come within 4.6 million miles of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
Such objects are defined as asteroids that measure at least 460 feet across and come within 4.6 million miles of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
NASA continuously monitors NEOs like Asteroid 7335, assessing any impact risk they may pose.
NASA continuously monitors NEOs like Asteroid 7335, assessing any impact risk they may pose.