NASA Tracks Asteroids Approaching Earth
Imminent Collision Detected
Asteroid Detected on Collision Course in 2024
On January 20, 2024, astronomer Krisztián Sárneczky detected an asteroid on an imminent collision course with Earth. The asteroid, designated 2024 BG, is estimated to be approximately 100 meters in diameter and will pass close to Earth in 2024. NASA is monitoring the asteroid's trajectory and is working to determine if it poses any threat to the planet.
NASA's Near-Earth Object Program (NEOP) is responsible for tracking asteroids and other Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) that could potentially impact Earth. The NEOP uses a network of ground-based telescopes to detect and track NEOs, and it maintains a database of known NEOs. The NEOP also works to develop strategies for mitigating the impact of NEOs.
In the past, NASA has successfully tracked and mitigated the impact of several NEOs. In 2005, NASA launched the Deep Impact spacecraft, which impacted the comet Tempel 1. The impact created a large crater on the comet's surface and provided valuable data about the comet's composition and structure. In 2010, NASA launched the Dawn spacecraft, which visited the asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn provided valuable data about the early history of the solar system and the composition of asteroids and dwarf planets.
NASA continues to track NEOs and develop strategies for mitigating their impact. The agency's work is essential for protecting Earth from the potential threat of asteroid impacts.
Here is a list of known NEOs that are approaching Earth in January 2024:
- 2023 BG: Close approach 0.0544 AU on February 3, 2024
- 2023 CX: Close approach 0.1 AU on February 3, 2024
NASA's Eyes on Asteroids website allows you to watch all the known near-Earth asteroids in real time.
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