NASA is on alert as another 290-ft Apollo asteroid hurtles towards Earth at alarming speed

Another massive asteroid, from the group of Apollo asteroids, named 2024 LY2 is being closely monitored by NASA as it zooms towards Earth at a speed of more than 28,000 km/h.

The gigantic space rock, which measures approximately 290 feet (88 metres) in size, has been flying in space at a scary speed of 28,156 kilometres per hour.

It is expected to make its closest approach towards Earth on July 23, 2024, at 07:52 UTC (1:22 PM IST). When it makes a flyby, it is expected to be at a distance of nearly 4.5 million kilometres from Earth.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Also Read:NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed

Earth's tryst with Apollo asteroids

This is not the first Apollo asteroid hurtling towards Earth, NASA had earlier issued an alert against asteroid 2024 MG1, which belonged to the same group.

Apollo asteroids are a group of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and their orbits intersect the orbit of Earth. The group was given a name after the scientists discovered the first asteroid of this group called 1862 Apollo.
Such asteroids carry the potential risks if their orbits intersect with the orbit of the Earth closely.

Not all asteroids are considered as a threat, however, some of them like 2024 LY2 are considered as potentially hazardous asteroids and hence are monitored to ensure timely deflection, if required.

These asteroids are generally larger than about 460 feet (140 metres) and sometimes come inside the 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) of Earth’s orbit.

Watch:Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August

According to scientists, if an asteroid like 2024 LY2 collides with Earth, there will be various consequences depending on its size, speed, and composition.

Considering the asteroid's estimated size of 290 feet, its impact can lead to localised devastation.

NASA's Monitoring and Response NASA along with other space agencies havebeen tracking asteroids like 2024 MG1 with the use of telescopes and radar systems.

While monitoring the asteroids, scientists are able to predict their path and adopt various mitigation strategies which range from deflection missions to evacuation plans decided for potentially affected areas.

(With inputs from agencies)