Washington, D.C. — An asteroid named 2011 MW1 is hurtling towards Earth at an astounding speed of 28,946 kmph. Classified as an Apollo-class asteroid, this celestial body is approximately 380 feet in size, comparable to a skyscraper. According to NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), it will make its closest approach on July 25, coming within 2.4 million miles of our planet.
Despite its significant size and close proximity, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has labeled 2011 MW1 as a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) but assures that it is not categorized as a ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA).’ This means that while its orbit brings it close to Earth, it poses no immediate threat.
What Are Asteroids?
Asteroids, often referred to as minor planets, are remnants from the early formation of our solar system. Unlike planets, they are much smaller and primarily orbit the sun. The majority are found in the main asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. As of July 2024, there are 1,385,217 known asteroids, according to JPL’s Solar System Dynamics website. These celestial bodies offer valuable insights into the conditions and processes that shaped our solar system billions of years ago.
NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tasked with characterizing the orbits of all Near Earth Objects (NEOs), predicting their approaches to Earth, and assessing their impact risks. NEOs are asteroids or comets whose orbits bring them within 120 million miles of the Sun, potentially flying by Earth’s orbital neighborhood.
To keep track of these objects, NASA operates several observatories, including PAN-STARRS, the Catalina Sky Survey, and NASA’s NEOWISE mission. The new NEO Surveyor will further enhance these efforts. Additionally, radar initiatives like the Goldstone Solar System Radar Group complement NASA’s NEO Observations Program. Space agencies worldwide are also developing technologies to address potential threats from celestial bodies, such as the DART mission, which aims to test asteroid deflection methods.
While the presence of 2011 MW1 in our cosmic vicinity might sound alarming, NASA assures the public that it poses no threat to Earth. The agency’s diligent monitoring and advanced tracking technologies provide confidence that any potential risks can be identified and addressed well in advance.
For more detailed updates and information, stay tuned to NASA’s official channels and observatories’ announcements.
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