NASA alerts as 'potentially hazardous' 510-foot asteroid zooms towards Earth at 35,000 mph

NASA has issued a warning as a 510-foot asteroid, named 2013 FW13, is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of 35,000 mph and is set to make a close passage by our planet.

The asteroid will be at a distance of 2 million miles from the planet on Wednesday (Sep18), as per NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The astronomers in Hawaii first discovered this asteroid, which is 4.6 billion years old, in March 2013 and it will make its nextclose approachon March 27 when it will be 16 million miles away from Earth.

According to NASA, the asteroid which is larger than 492 feet and comes within 4.6 million miles of Earth has been termed a “potentially hazardous object".

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Hence, NASA has been monitoring the asteroid's potential danger although the agency does not expect this space rock to pose any threat to Earth.

According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, asteroid 2013 FW13 will pass by Earth at 2:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday (Sep 18).

How does NASA keep an eye on any potential hazards to Earth?

The way Asteroid 2013 FW13 is moving towards Earth also reflects the importance of keeping a tab on space to detect any potential hazards.
NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office (PDCO) has been tracking such cosmic objects and ensuring that Earth remains safe.

The high speed at which the asteroid is travelling shows the solar system's dynamic nature.

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Asteroids keep moving across space constantly and are influenced by the planets' gravitation pull.

The scientists can predict future trajectories by understanding their movements. It also helps in assessing potential risks.

(With inputs from agencies)