NASA on alert as gigantic asteroid zooms too close to Earth, might turn catastrophic if moves from orbit
Representational image of asteroid crashing Earth.
NASA has soundedan alarm regarding the massive 380-foot giant Asteroid 2011 MW1 which is hurtling at a dangerous speed towards Earth.
The American space agency has revealed that Asteroid 2011 MW1 is not some typical space pebble.
It is massive in size whencomparedto other asteroids which come into Earth's cosmic neighbourhood. This near-Earth object is as big as a skyscraper.
The asteroid is hurtling towards our planet at a scary speed of 28,946 km per hour and will be just 2.4 million miles when it makes its close approach, as perdata fromNASA’s CNEOS.
Also Read:NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed
The asteroid is expected to make its closest approach on July 25. According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), it will be flying at a distance of 4.43 million miles which is a stone's throw away, in astronomical terms.
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In case the asteroid deviates from its orbit, the consequences can be scary and maybe catastrophic for Earth.
Is the 380-foot asteroid a threat to Earth?
Even though the 380-foot asteroid flying towards Earth at scary speed can raise concerns, as of now people don't need to panic.
NASA has been tracking the trajectory of the asteroid and has said it will be flying at a safe distance. Hence, Asteroid 2011 MW1 has not been marked as potentially hazardous.
Scientists have always been concerned about the asteroids racing towards Earth and carrying the potential of wiping out the entire human race.
Watch:Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August
Such space rocks are remnants left when the solar systems were formed and frequently make a close flyby of Earth, often causing concernto those tracking it.
Even though many of them have not been able to become an immediate threat, some have even been deflected due to their alarming proximity and massive size.
(With inputs from agencies)