NASA on alert after 410ft massive asteroid suddenly spotted hurtling towards Earth. If it hits...

NASA issued a sudden warning after a massive 410-foot asteroid '2024 OC' was spotted hurtling towards Earth at a scary speed on August 4 (Sunday) to make its closest approach at 16:10 UTC.

The asteroid, which is as big as a large building, will fly by Earth at a dangerous speed of 35,986 km/h. Asteroid 2024 OC is part of the Apollo asteroids which have been making their closest approach to Earth recently.

These asteroids are near-Earth objects (NEOs) and have orbits that cross the path of the Earth. Although most NEOs do not carry the risk of impact, some of them are considered potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs) and need closer monitoring.

The asteroids which are larger than about 460 feet (140 metres) and have orbits which bring them at a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from the orbit of the Earth are considered as potentially hazardous.

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Even though 2024 OC is sizable, it is expected to pass by Earth at a safe distance of 7.4 million kilometres. Even though it is making a close approach, the asteroid fails to meet the criteria of a PHA because of its slightly smaller size.

However, NASA has been tracking such objects to ensure that Earth does not face any danger.

What will happen if asteroid 2024 OC hits Earth?

If Earth is hit by an asteroid the size of 2024 OC, it will have a significant impact on the planet.

A building-sized asteroid can lead to widespread destruction, form a large crater and also result in regional damage.

The asteroid impact can also cause catastrophic effects on the environment and result in the loss of life and property.

However, the monitoring efforts of NASA will ensure that 2024 OC will pass by the Earth without leading to any harm.

How is NASA tracking asteroids?

NASA, along with other space agencies, has established a network of telescopes and advanced computing for identifying near-Earth objects (NEOs).

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Even though many of the NEOs don't come very near to Earth, some of them do come at a scary distance and get tagged as potentially hazardous asteroids which need more attention.

Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks.

(With inputs from agencies)