A massive asteroid nearly as tall as the Eiffel Tower is set to zoom past Earth this Saturday in what scientists call a “close approach.” The asteroid, officially named 387746 (2003 MH4), is 335 metres wide (roughly 1,100 feet) and will pass by at a distance of 6.68 million kilometres close by cosmic standards.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) reports that the space rock, traveling at an astonishing 30,060 km/h, will make its closest approach on May 24 at 4:07 PM IST (10:37 UTC). Though it poses no direct threat to Earth, astronomers are keeping a watchful eye on the giant.
Asteroid 2003 MH4 belongs to the Apollo group a class of asteroids whose orbits cross Earth’s path. Due to its size and proximity, it has been classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). PHAs are defined as objects over 140 metres in diameter that pass within 7.5 million kilometres of our planet.
“This weekend’s sighting is a warning, not a threat,” said NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the team responsible for tracking space rocks that could pose future risks to Earth.
As a Near-Earth Object (NEO), 2003 MH4 is part of a growing list of cosmic bodies carefully monitored by NASA and other space agencies worldwide. NASA’s global network of ground-based telescopes and advanced computing models help track the paths of thousands of asteroids.
The CNEOS continues to play a key role in calculating potential impact risks, ensuring that any object with a potential to veer too close to Earth is logged and studied.
Even though 6.68 million kilometres may sound distant, in astronomical terms it’s a close shave. Such flybys are crucial reminders of the importance of planetary defense systems and space monitoring.
While 2003 MH4 is expected to harmlessly sail past Earth, its approach underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. After all, in the vastness of space, even a near-miss is close enough to warrant attention.