An asteroid the size of a skyscraper is coming close to Earth and will zoom past us on Sep 17, NASA said. The asteroid, named 2024 ON, is between 721 and 1,575 feet (220 to 480 meters) in diameter and is travelling at a speed of 19,842 mph (31933 km/h), Live Science reported.&nbsp;This is around 26 times the speed of sound.

It is coming dangerously close to us and will be about 0.62 million miles (1 million kilometres) away at its closest point to Earth. This is around &nbsp;2.6 times the average distance between Earth and the moon.&nbsp;

While it might seem like it's really far away, it really is not considering cosmic standards. However, it will not hit us and won't threaten the safety of human beings.&nbsp;

<h2>NASA standards for asteroid safety</h2>

NASA has a set standard for classifying near-Earth objects and those are considered "potentially hazardous". Any space object that comes within 120 million miles (193 million km) of Earth is classified as a "near-Earth object". To be considered a danger, any large object must come within 4.65 million miles (7.5 million km) of our planet.

The space agency regularly monitors asteroids and other celestial bodies to estimate whether any of them is on a collision course with Earth. &nbsp;At least 28,000 asteroids are on its watch, with their locations and orbits being tracked using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), an array of four telescopes. The telescopes scan the entire night sky every 24 hours.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-apophis-can-collide-with-earth-but-only-if-this-happens-the-odds-of-755711">'God of chaos' asteroid can hit Earth, but only if THIS happens. 'The odds of...'</a>

As per data, no asteroid threatens the planet for the next 100 years. However, over a period of time, as the asteroids travel through space, they absorb and emit enough momentum-carrying light which can change their orbits, albeit just slightly.&nbsp;

Some of them even pay a surprise visit and are detected just hours before they reach us. One such asteroid hit Earth over the Philippines a few days back. The European Space Agency (ESA) said that the asteroid was 3-foot (1-metre) long and was discovered hours before it collided. It was only the ninth to have been spotted just prior to impact.&nbsp;

People saw it burn into a fireball and captured it on camera. It did not cause any destruction.

<h2>"God of Chaos" asteroid Apophis</h2>

Apophis is one asteroid that has been on the radar for a few years now. It has been classified as having a high chance of hitting Earth in 2029, but astronomers say it will safely pass by.&nbsp;

However, doubts have once again risen after some scientists said that if it collides with another object in space, its orbit might change, putting it on a collision course with Earth. But we won't know if this has happened for another three years.

An asteroid the size of a skyscraper is coming close to Earth and will zoom past us on Sep 17, NASA said. The asteroid, named 2024 ON, is between 721 and 1,575 feet (220 to 480 meters) in diameter and is travelling at a speed of 19,842 mph (31933 km/h), Live Science reported.

An asteroid the size of a skyscraper is coming close to Earth and will zoom past us on Sep 17, NASA said. The asteroid, named 2024 ON, is between 721 and 1,575 feet (220 to 480 meters) in diameter and is travelling at a speed of 19,842 mph (31933 km/h), Live Science reported. This is around 26 times the speed of sound. It is coming dangerously close to us and will be about 0.62 million miles (1 million kilometres) away at its closest point to Earth. This is around 2.6 times the average distance between Earth and the moon. While it might seem like it's really far away, it really is not considering cosmic standards. However, it will not hit us and won't threaten the safety of human beings. NASA standards for asteroid safety NASA has a set standard for classifying near-Earth objects and those are considered "potentially hazardous". Any space object that comes within 120 million miles (193 million km) of Earth is classified as a "near-Earth object". To be considered a danger, any large object must come within 4.65 million miles (7.5 million km) of our planet. The space agency regularly monitors asteroids and other celestial bodies to estimate whether any of them is on a collision course with Earth. At least 28,000 asteroids are on its watch, with their locations and orbits being tracked using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), an array of four telescopes. The telescopes scan the entire night sky every 24 hours. Also Read: 'God of chaos' asteroid can hit Earth, but only if THIS happens. 'The odds of...' As per data, no asteroid threatens the planet for the next 100 years. However, over a period of time, as the asteroids travel through space, they absorb and emit enough momentum-carrying light which can change their orbits, albeit just slightly. Some of them even pay a surprise visit and are detected just hours before they reach us. One such asteroid hit Earth over the Philippines a few days back. The European Space Agency (ESA) said that the asteroid was 3-foot (1-metre) long and was discovered hours before it collided. It was only the ninth to have been spotted just prior to impact. People saw it burn into a fireball and captured it on camera. It did not cause any destruction. "God of Chaos" asteroid Apophis Apophis is one asteroid that has been on the radar for a few years now. It has been classified as having a high chance of hitting Earth in 2029, but astronomers say it will safely pass by. However, doubts have once again risen after some scientists said that if it collides with another object in space, its orbit might change, putting it on a collision course with Earth. But we won't know if this has happened for another three years.

Asteroid nearly 1,500 feet in size moving towards Earth at 26 times the speed of sound

Apophis, the "god of chaos" asteroid, has a higher chance of hitting Earth than previously thought, new analyses suggest. The asteroid is moving towards our planet and will make a dangerously close approach in 2029.&nbsp;

Apophis was first discovered in 2004 and it was placed at level 4 on the Torino impact hazard scale - 0 means no chance of hitting and 10 means "a collision is certain" and might cause global climatic catastrophe.

Since NASA started monitoring potentially hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), this was the first asteroid to be assigned a rating of four on the scale. NASA describes the rating as, "A close encounter, meriting attention by astronomers."

As per current observations, the asteroid will safely pass by Earth, posing no threat in 2029, 2036 and 2068. However, the new study takes into account a slight chance that something hits Apophis while it is en route to our planet.&nbsp;

Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegert looked at the odds of a small object colliding with Apophis and setting it on a course towards Earth. Wiegert and co-author Ben Hyatt had earlier ruled out a collision but still found a small chance of a collision with other material.

The astronomers tried to study what size object could change the trajectory of Apophis and put it on a route on which it might hit Earth. They also studied other scenarios of an object hitting it which can put the asteroid&nbsp;on an Earth-bound trajectory in the future after 2029.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-20-times-bigger-than-dinosaur-killer-deviated-solar-systems-largest-moon-755527">Asteroid 20 times bigger than dinosaur killer altered Ganymede's position</a>

What they found was that an impactor of around 0.6 metres (2 feet) can push the asteroid into one of the 2029 "keyhole" trajectories. This would set it up for a later collision with our planet. However, an impact in 2029 will happen only if Apophis collides with an object of around 3.4 metres (11.2 feet).

<h2>How likely is a collision?</h2>

The likelihood of an asteroid hitting Apophis is extremely low. Even if an impact does happen, the direction would also matter. Wiegert studied the number of objects over 3.4 metres in size in space and says the odds of an asteroid impacting it between now and 2029 are exceptionally low.&nbsp;

"The odds of an unseen small asteroid deflecting Apophis enough to direct it into a collision with Earth in 2029 (d ≳ 3.4 m, Δv &gt; 5 × 10−2 m s−1) are approximately 10−8," Wiegert says in the study.

"Given that only 5% of such impulses are in the correct direction to generate an Earth impact, the overall probability of a small impact directing Apophis into a collision with the Earth is less than one in 2 billion."

However, for a later impact after 2029, he puts the odds at less than one in a million. Despite being good odds, the risk of an impact still exists.&nbsp;

<h2>How do we know if Apophis has moved?</h2>

To know if this has happened, Wiegert says we need to wait another three years. "An additional element of the story is that Apophis has been largely unmonitored by telescopes since May 2021 and will remain so through 2027," he explained.&nbsp;

This is because "of the relative geometry of Apophis, Earth, and the Sun, which puts the asteroid in the daytime sky for the time span in question."

Apophis, the "god of chaos" asteroid, has a higher chance of hitting Earth than previously thought, new analyses suggest. The asteroid is moving towards our planet and will make a dangerously close approach in 2029.

Apophis, the "god of chaos" asteroid, has a higher chance of hitting Earth than previously thought, new analyses suggest. The asteroid is moving towards our planet and will make a dangerously close approach in 2029. Apophis was first discovered in 2004 and it was placed at level 4 on the Torino impact hazard scale - 0 means no chance of hitting and 10 means "a collision is certain" and might cause global climatic catastrophe. Since NASA started monitoring potentially hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), this was the first asteroid to be assigned a rating of four on the scale. NASA describes the rating as, "A close encounter, meriting attention by astronomers." As per current observations, the asteroid will safely pass by Earth, posing no threat in 2029, 2036 and 2068. However, the new study takes into account a slight chance that something hits Apophis while it is en route to our planet. Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegert looked at the odds of a small object colliding with Apophis and setting it on a course towards Earth. Wiegert and co-author Ben Hyatt had earlier ruled out a collision but still found a small chance of a collision with other material. The astronomers tried to study what size object could change the trajectory of Apophis and put it on a route on which it might hit Earth. They also studied other scenarios of an object hitting it which can put the asteroid on an Earth-bound trajectory in the future after 2029. Also Read: Asteroid 20 times bigger than dinosaur killer altered Ganymede's position What they found was that an impactor of around 0.6 metres (2 feet) can push the asteroid into one of the 2029 "keyhole" trajectories. This would set it up for a later collision with our planet. However, an impact in 2029 will happen only if Apophis collides with an object of around 3.4 metres (11.2 feet). How likely is a collision? The likelihood of an asteroid hitting Apophis is extremely low. Even if an impact does happen, the direction would also matter. Wiegert studied the number of objects over 3.4 metres in size in space and says the odds of an asteroid impacting it between now and 2029 are exceptionally low. "The odds of an unseen small asteroid deflecting Apophis enough to direct it into a collision with Earth in 2029 (d ≳ 3.4 m, Δv > 5 × 10−2 m s−1) are approximately 10−8," Wiegert says in the study. "Given that only 5% of such impulses are in the correct direction to generate an Earth impact, the overall probability of a small impact directing Apophis into a collision with the Earth is less than one in 2 billion." However, for a later impact after 2029, he puts the odds at less than one in a million. Despite being good odds, the risk of an impact still exists. How do we know if Apophis has moved? To know if this has happened, Wiegert says we need to wait another three years. "An additional element of the story is that Apophis has been largely unmonitored by telescopes since May 2021 and will remain so through 2027," he explained. This is because "of the relative geometry of Apophis, Earth, and the Sun, which puts the asteroid in the daytime sky for the time span in question."

'God of chaos' asteroid can hit Earth, but only if THIS happens. 'The odds of...'

One day, astronomers may spot an asteroid months away from a cataclysmic rendezvous with Earth. Our only chance of survival at such a late stage would be to try to use a nuclear explosive to obliterate it.

But would it work?

Unlike some melodramatic Hollywood blockbusters of the 1990s, real-life scientists are largely unconcerned by any planet-sterilizing behemoths. The orbits of almost every asteroid two-thirds of a mile across or larger have been precisely mapped out. “We know they’re not going to be a threat anytime soon,” said Megan Bruck Syal, a planetary defence researcher at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eight-massive-asteroids-bigger-than-pyramids-to-approach-earth-in-october-november-420486">Eight massive asteroids, bigger than pyramids, to approach Earth in October-November</a>

Instead, their focus is on relatively small asteroids, those about the size of football stadiums, notable for their abundance as well as their ability to evade asteroid-hunting observatories. “Those are the ones that we tend to worry more about because they could come out of nowhere,” Bruck Syal said.

Such a diminutive asteroid may not sound like much of a danger compared to the 6.2-mile colossus that slammed into Earth 66 million years ago with apocalyptic results. But a meteor that exploded over Siberia in 1908 was only about 200 feet across — and the blast’s shock wave levelled 800 square miles of forest. “That’s the size of the whole Washington D.C. Metro area,” said Bruck Syal.

Using high-fidelity simulations, scientists reported in a study published this month that a stealthy asteroid as long as 330 feet could be annihilated by a 1-megaton nuclear device, with 99.9% of its mass being blasted out of Earth’s way, if the asteroid is attacked at least two months before impact.

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Ideally, asteroids targeting our blue marble would be identified decades ahead of time. If so, the hope is that an uncrewed spacecraft could slam into them with sufficient momentum to nudge them out of Earth’s way. This strategy, known as deflection, is getting its first test next year with NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) space mission.

But an asteroid even several years away from Earth may not be suitable for deflection. At that stage, it may be too late to sufficiently alter its trajectory with a nudge. And if any deflection attempt proves overzealous, the asteroid may break up into smaller but still portly pieces that could hit Earth in multiple spots.

Using a nuclear blast to obliterate an interplanetary interloper “will always be the last resort,” said Patrick Michel, an asteroid expert at the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur who was not involved in the study. But if we are short on time, it may be our only hope.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lucy-in-the-sky-nasa-space-mission-lifts-off-will-study-jupiters-trojan-asteroids-421268">'Lucy in the sky': NASA space mission lifts off, will study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids</a>

A team led by Patrick King, a physicist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, ran 3D simulations to see whether a nuke could provide planetary salvation. Like a wannabe Marco Inaros, a villain from the science fiction series “The Expanse” who schemed to bombard Earth from space, he hurled virtual 330-foot asteroids at our planet along five different orbital paths.

Powerful 1-megaton nuclear devices were sent to greet them.

The simulations showed that when the detonation took place two months or more ahead of the projected impact date, it was sufficient to ensure that almost every asteroid fragment that survived the blast missed Earth. Any fragments that did reach Earth would probably be small enough to burn up in the atmosphere, said Bruck Syal, a study co-author.

This strategy isn’t foolproof. “If you miscalculate the energy you need to destroy it, you may make a lot of fragments,” Michel said — and some may be sizable enough to impact Earth with considerable violence.

Nobody wants to wait until the last moment to see if a nuclear Hail Mary saves the world. But one day humanity may have no choice: NASA estimates that there are 17,000 near-Earth asteroids 460 feet or larger that are yet to be found.

To reduce the odds of an asteroid ambush, scientists are being proactive. A future NASA space telescope aims to spot two-thirds of those miniature menaces. Its hopeful success will come as a relief to planetary defence officers who, perhaps more than anyone else, don’t wanna miss a thing.

One day, astronomers may spot an asteroid months away from a cataclysmic rendezvous with Earth. Our only chance of survival at such a late stage would be to try to use a nuclear explosive to obliterate it.

One day, astronomers may spot an asteroid months away from a cataclysmic rendezvous with Earth. Our only chance of survival at such a late stage would be to try to use a nuclear explosive to obliterate it. But would it work? Unlike some melodramatic Hollywood blockbusters of the 1990s, real-life scientists are largely unconcerned by any planet-sterilizing behemoths. The orbits of almost every asteroid two-thirds of a mile across or larger have been precisely mapped out. “We know they’re not going to be a threat anytime soon,” said Megan Bruck Syal, a planetary defence researcher at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Also read | Eight massive asteroids, bigger than pyramids, to approach Earth in October-November Instead, their focus is on relatively small asteroids, those about the size of football stadiums, notable for their abundance as well as their ability to evade asteroid-hunting observatories. “Those are the ones that we tend to worry more about because they could come out of nowhere,” Bruck Syal said. Such a diminutive asteroid may not sound like much of a danger compared to the 6.2-mile colossus that slammed into Earth 66 million years ago with apocalyptic results. But a meteor that exploded over Siberia in 1908 was only about 200 feet across — and the blast’s shock wave levelled 800 square miles of forest. “That’s the size of the whole Washington D.C. Metro area,” said Bruck Syal. Using high-fidelity simulations, scientists reported in a study published this month that a stealthy asteroid as long as 330 feet could be annihilated by a 1-megaton nuclear device, with 99.9% of its mass being blasted out of Earth’s way, if the asteroid is attacked at least two months before impact. Also read | Why NASA is launching a robotic archaeologist named Lucy Ideally, asteroids targeting our blue marble would be identified decades ahead of time. If so, the hope is that an uncrewed spacecraft could slam into them with sufficient momentum to nudge them out of Earth’s way. This strategy, known as deflection, is getting its first test next year with NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) space mission. But an asteroid even several years away from Earth may not be suitable for deflection. At that stage, it may be too late to sufficiently alter its trajectory with a nudge. And if any deflection attempt proves overzealous, the asteroid may break up into smaller but still portly pieces that could hit Earth in multiple spots. Using a nuclear blast to obliterate an interplanetary interloper “will always be the last resort,” said Patrick Michel, an asteroid expert at the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur who was not involved in the study. But if we are short on time, it may be our only hope. Also read | 'Lucy in the sky': NASA space mission lifts off, will study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids A team led by Patrick King, a physicist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, ran 3D simulations to see whether a nuke could provide planetary salvation. Like a wannabe Marco Inaros, a villain from the science fiction series “The Expanse” who schemed to bombard Earth from space, he hurled virtual 330-foot asteroids at our planet along five different orbital paths. Powerful 1-megaton nuclear devices were sent to greet them. The simulations showed that when the detonation took place two months or more ahead of the projected impact date, it was sufficient to ensure that almost every asteroid fragment that survived the blast missed Earth. Any fragments that did reach Earth would probably be small enough to burn up in the atmosphere, said Bruck Syal, a study co-author. This strategy isn’t foolproof. “If you miscalculate the energy you need to destroy it, you may make a lot of fragments,” Michel said — and some may be sizable enough to impact Earth with considerable violence. Nobody wants to wait until the last moment to see if a nuclear Hail Mary saves the world. But one day humanity may have no choice: NASA estimates that there are 17,000 near-Earth asteroids 460 feet or larger that are yet to be found. To reduce the odds of an asteroid ambush, scientists are being proactive. A future NASA space telescope aims to spot two-thirds of those miniature menaces. Its hopeful success will come as a relief to planetary defence officers who, perhaps more than anyone else, don’t wanna miss a thing.

How a nuclear bomb could save Earth from a stealthy asteroid

A recent study conducted by the European aerospace company Airbus suggests that when an asteroid is hurtling toward our planets, we could deploy large TV broadcasting satellites to deflect the space rock.

The study is a part of the European Space Agency's efforts to prepare for a possible apocalyptic event, similar to the one that wiped out dinosaurs.&nbsp;

Conducted under the mission concept codenamed FastKD or Fast Kinetic Deflection, it envisions using telecommunications satellites in particular, as these are placed in a geostationary orbit. This means that they are placed in such a way that their position looks stationary, as these satellites circle the Earth at a speed that matches the planet's speed of rotation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stellar-explosion-helps-scientists-explain-13-billion-year-old-mystery-of-milky-ways-elements-397024" hreflang="en">Stellar explosion helps scientists explain 13-billion-year-old mystery of Milky Way's elements</a>

Usually very large, on average, these weigh around 4 to 6 tonnes. This weight would aid in giving the object in question enough force to affect the trajectory of space rock.&nbsp;

However, according to Albert Falke, the lead researcher of this study, it would take around 10 such satellites to sufficiently change the trajectory of 300 meters or 1,000-foot wide asteroid.&nbsp;

But what about a Dinosaur extinction-size Asteroid?

Falke is hesitant to say whether an asteroid could still be deflected using this method if it is more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) in diameter.

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Interestingly, the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs is believed to have been 9.6 kilometres or 6 miles in diameter.

Why telecommunication satellites?

This method does not require the invention and subsequent launch of a whole new device. Telecommunication satellites are available readily. In case astronomers were to detect an asteroid at a late stage, all that's required is to repurpose the satellites under construction and launch them within a short span of time.

The combined effort of multiple satellites could very well change the trajectory of the approaching object.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winchcombe-meteorite-gets-official-classification-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-396877" hreflang="en">Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know</a>

Changing its trajectory by just a few inches may not totally avert a disaster, but it could nudge it off course, enough to avert a catastrophe if done well enough in advance of an expected impact.&nbsp;

For telecommunication satellites to be capable of executing an earth-saving mission in orbit, special equipment is needed to enable communication in deep space, along with navigation, and guidance required to reach the asteroid.

Modules for this project still need to be developed. The ideal situation would be to build and test these systems in advance of an emergency and have them ready.

That said, the human species definitely has an advantage over dinosaurs.&nbsp;

NASA is set to conduct a mission called DART next year. The experiment will be the first-ever asteroid deflection experiment.&nbsp;

A recent study conducted by the European aerospace company Airbus suggests that when an asteroid is hurtling toward our planets, we could deploy large TV broadcasting satellites to deflect the space rock.

A recent study conducted by the European aerospace company Airbus suggests that when an asteroid is hurtling toward our planets, we could deploy large TV broadcasting satellites to deflect the space rock. The study is a part of the European Space Agency's efforts to prepare for a possible apocalyptic event, similar to the one that wiped out dinosaurs. Conducted under the mission concept codenamed FastKD or Fast Kinetic Deflection, it envisions using telecommunications satellites in particular, as these are placed in a geostationary orbit. This means that they are placed in such a way that their position looks stationary, as these satellites circle the Earth at a speed that matches the planet's speed of rotation. Also read | Stellar explosion helps scientists explain 13-billion-year-old mystery of Milky Way's elements Usually very large, on average, these weigh around 4 to 6 tonnes. This weight would aid in giving the object in question enough force to affect the trajectory of space rock. However, according to Albert Falke, the lead researcher of this study, it would take around 10 such satellites to sufficiently change the trajectory of 300 meters or 1,000-foot wide asteroid. But what about a Dinosaur extinction-size Asteroid? Falke is hesitant to say whether an asteroid could still be deflected using this method if it is more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) in diameter. Also read | Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings Interestingly, the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs is believed to have been 9.6 kilometres or 6 miles in diameter. Why telecommunication satellites? This method does not require the invention and subsequent launch of a whole new device. Telecommunication satellites are available readily. In case astronomers were to detect an asteroid at a late stage, all that's required is to repurpose the satellites under construction and launch them within a short span of time. The combined effort of multiple satellites could very well change the trajectory of the approaching object. Also read | Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know Changing its trajectory by just a few inches may not totally avert a disaster, but it could nudge it off course, enough to avert a catastrophe if done well enough in advance of an expected impact. For telecommunication satellites to be capable of executing an earth-saving mission in orbit, special equipment is needed to enable communication in deep space, along with navigation, and guidance required to reach the asteroid. Modules for this project still need to be developed. The ideal situation would be to build and test these systems in advance of an emergency and have them ready. That said, the human species definitely has an advantage over dinosaurs. NASA is set to conduct a mission called DART next year. The experiment will be the first-ever asteroid deflection experiment.

Defending Earth: Repurposing telecommunication satellites to protect Earth from asteroid collision

It may be just another day for us here on Earth. We may get up and go about as if nothing is going to happen. But ask those Dinosaurs who were out on the day an asteroid struck Earth.

Well, you can't of course because all of them are dead (along with around 75 per cent of life at that time on the planet).

This is what happens when a huge space rock decides that it is tired of travelling through space and wants to 'settle down' on the cosy planet we call Earth.

Asteroids may be small compared to size of the Earth but they can cause massive destruction owing to their very high speeds.

And this is why NASA and other space agencies around the world keep close watch on any rogue rocks that may be coming our way, or at least make a close call.

And one such asteroid has been detected. The asteroid has been named 2020 XU6. And it will reach its closest point from Earth today (February 22).

2020 XU6 is the size of a 'stadium'. For perspective, Statue of Liberty will fall short if it tries to compete with the asteroid to check who was taller. Even Big Ben would not be able to win.

The asteroid in 700 feet across (213 m). It is coming closer to Earth indeed.

But we need not fret about extinction of humans just yet because it will miss the Earth by 4,087,734 km (2,540,000 m)&nbsp;

You can safely go about your day now.

It may be just another day for us here on Earth. We may get up and go about as if nothing is going to happen. But ask those Dinosaurs who were out on the day an asteroid struck Earth.

It may be just another day for us here on Earth. We may get up and go about as if nothing is going to happen. But ask those Dinosaurs who were out on the day an asteroid struck Earth. Well, you can't of course because all of them are dead (along with around 75 per cent of life at that time on the planet). This is what happens when a huge space rock decides that it is tired of travelling through space and wants to 'settle down' on the cosy planet we call Earth. Asteroids may be small compared to size of the Earth but they can cause massive destruction owing to their very high speeds. And this is why NASA and other space agencies around the world keep close watch on any rogue rocks that may be coming our way, or at least make a close call. And one such asteroid has been detected. The asteroid has been named 2020 XU6. And it will reach its closest point from Earth today (February 22). 2020 XU6 is the size of a 'stadium'. For perspective, Statue of Liberty will fall short if it tries to compete with the asteroid to check who was taller. Even Big Ben would not be able to win. The asteroid in 700 feet across (213 m). It is coming closer to Earth indeed. But we need not fret about extinction of humans just yet because it will miss the Earth by 4,087,734 km (2,540,000 m) You can safely go about your day now.

Asteroid alert: A 'stadium sized' space rock is hurtling towards Earth

It is believed that thousands of years ago, an asteroid had wiped off the whole existence of dinosaurs from the planet Earth. Now, scientists believe they have figured out how such a huge chunk of the rock ended up on Earth.

Experts from Harvard University believe it to be true that dinosaurs were killed due to an extra-terrestrial rock that had hit the Earth many centuries ago.

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It is being believed that the gravity of the Jupiter planet draws comets from icy outer edges of the solar system and bolts them inwards, towards the sun.

While the comets slingshot around the sun, the gravitational power can break apart the cosmic missile. This can result in several broken shards flying across the solar system.

There's a possibility that one such shard ended up colliding with the Earth centuries ago, leading to the death of hundreds of dinosaurs and other Earthly creatures.

"The solar system acts as a kind of pinball machine," Amir Siraj, an undergraduate student explained. "Jupiter, the most massive planet, kicks incoming long-period comets into orbits that bring them very close to the sun."

It is believed that thousands of years ago, an asteroid had wiped off the whole existence of dinosaurs from the planet Earth. Now, scientists believe they have figured out how such a huge chunk of the rock ended up on Earth.

It is believed that thousands of years ago, an asteroid had wiped off the whole existence of dinosaurs from the planet Earth. Now, scientists believe they have figured out how such a huge chunk of the rock ended up on Earth. Experts from Harvard University believe it to be true that dinosaurs were killed due to an extra-terrestrial rock that had hit the Earth many centuries ago. Also read| Archaeologists find unexpected iron age settlement in Oxfordshire It is being believed that the gravity of the Jupiter planet draws comets from icy outer edges of the solar system and bolts them inwards, towards the sun. While the comets slingshot around the sun, the gravitational power can break apart the cosmic missile. This can result in several broken shards flying across the solar system. There's a possibility that one such shard ended up colliding with the Earth centuries ago, leading to the death of hundreds of dinosaurs and other Earthly creatures. "The solar system acts as a kind of pinball machine," Amir Siraj, an undergraduate student explained. "Jupiter, the most massive planet, kicks incoming long-period comets into orbits that bring them very close to the sun."

Where did the asteroid which wiped out dinosaurs came from? Scientists answer

The largest asteroid to fly past the Earth in 2021 is set to make a close approach to the planet on March 21.

Comparable in size to the Golden Gate Bridge, asteroid 231937&nbsp;or 2001 FO32, will&nbsp;pass within 2,016,351 km of Earth in 2021.

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Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2001 FO32 is approximately between 0.767 to 1.714 kilometres in diameter.&nbsp;At Congress's direction, NASA has supported a ground-based program to identify the NEOs larger than one kilometre in diameter.

NASA's&nbsp;Jet Propulsion Laboratory has classified 2001 FO32 as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" due to its predicted close pass(es) with Earth.

Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) are currently defined based on parameters that measure the asteroid's potential to make threatening close approaches to the Earth.

The high-altitude explosion of a body 80 meters in diameter above Tunguska, Siberia, in 1908 flattened trees over a broad area. A differently aimed impact of this scale could flatten a modern city, with deaths in the millions.

Bodies larger than about 100 metre in size cause ground-level explosions in the giga-ton, or billions of tons, range. Such impacts would devastate whole countries. There is about a 1 per cent chance&nbsp;that such an impact will occur in the next century.

Assessment of the Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) population down to 100-meter scales, as part of an organized inventory of the small bodies of the solar system, is recognized as a high priority for NASA's Solar System Exploration program.

Extrapolations from existing surveys suggest that the number of PHAs larger than 100 m is on the order of 10,000 to 20,000.&nbsp;

The largest asteroid to fly past the Earth in 2021 is set to make a close approach to the planet on March 21. Comparable in size to the Golden Gate Bridge, asteroid 231937 or 2001 FO32, will pass within 2,016,351 km of Earth in 2021.

The largest asteroid to fly past the Earth in 2021 is set to make a close approach to the planet on March 21. Comparable in size to the Golden Gate Bridge, asteroid 231937 or 2001 FO32, will pass within 2,016,351 km of Earth in 2021. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2001 FO32 is approximately between 0.767 to 1.714 kilometres in diameter. At Congress's direction, NASA has supported a ground-based program to identify the NEOs larger than one kilometre in diameter. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has classified 2001 FO32 as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" due to its predicted close pass(es) with Earth. Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) are currently defined based on parameters that measure the asteroid's potential to make threatening close approaches to the Earth. The high-altitude explosion of a body 80 meters in diameter above Tunguska, Siberia, in 1908 flattened trees over a broad area. A differently aimed impact of this scale could flatten a modern city, with deaths in the millions. Bodies larger than about 100 metre in size cause ground-level explosions in the giga-ton, or billions of tons, range. Such impacts would devastate whole countries. There is about a 1 per cent chance that such an impact will occur in the next century. Assessment of the Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) population down to 100-meter scales, as part of an organized inventory of the small bodies of the solar system, is recognized as a high priority for NASA's Solar System Exploration program. Extrapolations from existing surveys suggest that the number of PHAs larger than 100 m is on the order of 10,000 to 20,000.

'Potentially hazardous': Largest known asteroid to fly past Earth in 2021

According to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), a huge<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-asteroids-headed-earths-way-on-day-of-joe-bidens-inauguration-as-us-president-357734"> asteroid</a> would travel past the Earth on February 1.

Watch:

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The space rock dubbed 2016 CL136 measures between 460 feet and 1,017 feet in diameter, report say which is equal to the size of the French Eiffel Tower.

Experts say the asteroid is expected to come 3.3 million miles of the Earth. The asteroid is reportedly set to travel past the Earth on February 1 at 5:26 pm.

In an earlier report, NASA scientists had said asteroid named 2021 AC, which is twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza, would hit the Earth's orbit.&nbsp;

NASA had said that small asteroids pass the Earth a few time a year which are often difficult to record.

NASA had earlier warned that a 220-meter asteroid was headed towards the Earth in the new year.

According to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), a huge asteroid would travel past the Earth on February 1. Watch: The space rock dubbed 2016 CL136 measures between 460 feet and 1,017 feet in diameter, report say which is equal to the size of the French Eiffel Tower.

According to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), a huge asteroid would travel past the Earth on February 1. Watch: The space rock dubbed 2016 CL136 measures between 460 feet and 1,017 feet in diameter, report say which is equal to the size of the French Eiffel Tower. Experts say the asteroid is expected to come 3.3 million miles of the Earth. The asteroid is reportedly set to travel past the Earth on February 1 at 5:26 pm. In an earlier report, NASA scientists had said asteroid named 2021 AC, which is twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza, would hit the Earth's orbit. NASA had said that small asteroids pass the Earth a few time a year which are often difficult to record. NASA had earlier warned that a 220-meter asteroid was headed towards the Earth in the new year.

Asteroid size of Eiffel Tower to pass Earth: NASA study

The US Presidential elections are always a huge affair and comes with its own problems and controversies. This year, with the ongoing pandemic, problems have doubled up. However, to make matters worse, an asteroid is headed towards the United States.

The celestial object, 2018VP1, is headed towards the Earth and that too on November 02 — a day before the much-controversial elections.

Center for Near Earth Objects Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has claimed the asteroid is&nbsp;diameter is 0.002 km, or about 6.5 feet, but probably won't have a deep impact.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/car-sized-asteroid-becomes-closest-ever-seen-passing-earth-nasa-321591">Also read|&nbsp;Car-sized asteroid becomes closest ever seen passing Earth: NASA</a>

The asteroid, which was first discovered in Palomar Observatory in California in 2018, can have three imoacts but NASA has observed that "based on 21 observations spanning 12.968 days", there is only a&nbsp;0.41 per cent chance of the asteroid actually hitting the Earth.

The upcoming US Presidential elections have always been facing problems due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, that has made it difficult for voters to go to voting centres to vote. The US lawmakers are urging people to opt for mail-in voting, which the US President Donald Trump feels will be an "embarassment" for the country.

Trump is re-running for the post of President against Joe Biden, who is winning the race, as per the early polls. The elections are scheduled for November 03, with Trump claiming that the results will not be announced for weeks.

The US Presidential elections are always a huge affair and comes with its own problems and controversies. This year, with the ongoing pandemic, problems have doubled up.

The US Presidential elections are always a huge affair and comes with its own problems and controversies. This year, with the ongoing pandemic, problems have doubled up. However, to make matters worse, an asteroid is headed towards the United States. The celestial object, 2018VP1, is headed towards the Earth and that too on November 02 — a day before the much-controversial elections. Center for Near Earth Objects Studies at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has claimed the asteroid is diameter is 0.002 km, or about 6.5 feet, but probably won't have a deep impact. Also read| Car-sized asteroid becomes closest ever seen passing Earth: NASA The asteroid, which was first discovered in Palomar Observatory in California in 2018, can have three imoacts but NASA has observed that "based on 21 observations spanning 12.968 days", there is only a 0.41 per cent chance of the asteroid actually hitting the Earth. The upcoming US Presidential elections have always been facing problems due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, that has made it difficult for voters to go to voting centres to vote. The US lawmakers are urging people to opt for mail-in voting, which the US President Donald Trump feels will be an "embarassment" for the country. Trump is re-running for the post of President against Joe Biden, who is winning the race, as per the early polls. The elections are scheduled for November 03, with Trump claiming that the results will not be announced for weeks.

Asteroid heading towards Earth a day before US elections: NASA

An asteroid which is slowly moving towards Earth was recently discovered by two Indian schoolgirls.

The asteroid in question is shifting its orbit, which will eventually cause it to potentially cross paths with our planet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/astronaut-shares-picture-of-hurricane-hanna-from-space-leaving-netizens-in-awe-316415" hreflang="en">Astronaut shares picture of Hurricane Hanna from space leaving netizens in awe</a>

10th Standard&nbsp;students Radhika Lakhani and Vaidehi Vekariya stumbled upon the asteroid in the midst of a school project. They then named the asteroid HLC2514.

Project by Space India and NASA

Both the students are based in Gujarat’s city of Surat, on the eastern coast of India. They were working on a project by Space India and NASA. As part of this, students had access to telescopic images from the University of Hawaii when they then analysed.

Space India’s astronomer told CNN that the girls were able to identify the body using a software which analysed images captured by NASA’s PAN Star telescope.

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The project began in June 2020. After the analysis was over, the details were sent out to NASA. Vekariya, 15, told CNN that on July 23 they had received an email from NASA which confirmed that they had spotted an asteroid heading for earth.

On the lookout

The girls were able to identify the object by being on the lookout for moving objects in the images.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/giant-swarm-of-flying-ants-spotted-from-space-over-britain-314245" hreflang="en">Giant swarm of flying ants spotted from space over Britain</a>

Currently, the asteroid is circling Mars, and does not remain a threat to Earth. However, in over a million years, it will move closer to Earth. Even though it may not cause any harm to our planet, it still remains a potential hazard. The estimated distance between the asteroid and Earth a million years from now will still be more than 10 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.

Asteroids are small rocky objects that usually orbit the sun, but may change their course over time.

The student Vekariya told CNN that “this was a dream”, but suggested that they couldn’t celebrate because of the pandemic.

An asteroid which is slowly moving towards Earth was recently discovered by two Indian schoolgirls. The asteroid in question is shifting its orbit, which will eventually cause it to potentially cross paths with our planet.

An asteroid which is slowly moving towards Earth was recently discovered by two Indian schoolgirls. The asteroid in question is shifting its orbit, which will eventually cause it to potentially cross paths with our planet. Also read: Astronaut shares picture of Hurricane Hanna from space leaving netizens in awe 10th Standard students Radhika Lakhani and Vaidehi Vekariya stumbled upon the asteroid in the midst of a school project. They then named the asteroid HLC2514. Project by Space India and NASA Both the students are based in Gujarat’s city of Surat, on the eastern coast of India. They were working on a project by Space India and NASA. As part of this, students had access to telescopic images from the University of Hawaii when they then analysed. Space India’s astronomer told CNN that the girls were able to identify the body using a software which analysed images captured by NASA’s PAN Star telescope. Indian schoolgirls discover asteroid moving towards Earth https://t.co/EYrEosDVEF pic.twitter.com/EdVvdcYx8k — CTV News (@CTVNews) July 28, 2020 × The project began in June 2020. After the analysis was over, the details were sent out to NASA. Vekariya, 15, told CNN that on July 23 they had received an email from NASA which confirmed that they had spotted an asteroid heading for earth. On the lookout The girls were able to identify the object by being on the lookout for moving objects in the images. Also read: Giant swarm of flying ants spotted from space over Britain Currently, the asteroid is circling Mars, and does not remain a threat to Earth. However, in over a million years, it will move closer to Earth. Even though it may not cause any harm to our planet, it still remains a potential hazard. The estimated distance between the asteroid and Earth a million years from now will still be more than 10 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Asteroids are small rocky objects that usually orbit the sun, but may change their course over time. The student Vekariya told CNN that “this was a dream”, but suggested that they couldn’t celebrate because of the pandemic.

Students from Gujarat in India spot an asteroid heading towards Earth

An asteroid "large enough to cause global effects," will fly by Earth next month on April 29.

According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid is called 52768 (1998 OR2) and it will pass within 3,908,791 miles of Earth, moving at 19,461 miles per hour.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-known-asteroid-collision-ended-earths-ice-age-study-275861">Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study</a>

Its estimated timing is 4:56 am as per the space agency.

The asteroid was classified as a potentially hazardous object because it passes near Earth's orbit.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asteroid-apophis-to-cause-massive-destruction-on-earth-in-2036-says-nasa-24666">Asteroid Apophis to cause massive destruction on Earth in 2036, says NASA</a>

However, it is not currently on NASA's list of potential future Earth impact events.&nbsp;

And scientists at NASA's Sentry System believe that it is not expected to collide with our planet.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasas-first-of-its-kind-near-earth-asteroid-mission-lifts-off-6119">NASA's first-of-its kind near-Earth asteroid mission lifts off</a>

It's the largest asteroid expected to zip by Earth within the next two months, but it's not the largest ever.

The largest asteroid which flew by Earth was 3122 Florence (1981 ET3).&nbsp;

Fortunately, it missed colliding with it on September 1, 2017.

In addition to tracking Near-Earth Objects that could pose a threat, NASA and other agencies currently have missions underway to study near-Earth asteroids and potentially mitigate the danger of a collision.

The observatory is located on the Cerro Pachón ridge in north-central Chile.

An asteroid "large enough to cause global effects," will fly by Earth next month on April 29. According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid is called 52768 (1998 OR2) and it will pass within 3,908,791 miles of Earth, moving at 19,461 miles per hour.

An asteroid "large enough to cause global effects," will fly by Earth next month on April 29. According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid is called 52768 (1998 OR2) and it will pass within 3,908,791 miles of Earth, moving at 19,461 miles per hour. Also read: Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study Its estimated timing is 4:56 am as per the space agency. The asteroid was classified as a potentially hazardous object because it passes near Earth's orbit. Also read: Asteroid Apophis to cause massive destruction on Earth in 2036, says NASA However, it is not currently on NASA's list of potential future Earth impact events. And scientists at NASA's Sentry System believe that it is not expected to collide with our planet. Also read: NASA's first-of-its kind near-Earth asteroid mission lifts off It's the largest asteroid expected to zip by Earth within the next two months, but it's not the largest ever. The largest asteroid which flew by Earth was 3122 Florence (1981 ET3). Fortunately, it missed colliding with it on September 1, 2017. In addition to tracking Near-Earth Objects that could pose a threat, NASA and other agencies currently have missions underway to study near-Earth asteroids and potentially mitigate the danger of a collision. The observatory is located on the Cerro Pachón ridge in north-central Chile.

Asteroid 'large enough to cause global effect' to fly by Earth

The&nbsp;collision of an asteroid with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-earth-designers-give-a-peek-into-what-life-could-look-like-on-mars-275336">Earth</a>'s surface more than 2 billion years ago created the oldest impact crater known as&nbsp;Yarrabubba crater in Western <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-to-begin-screening-passengers-from-china-as-coronavirus-continues-to-spread-275594">Australia</a>.

According to research, it precedes others by 200 million years. And it was due to it that the planet was able to exit the state of frozenness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-earth-designers-give-a-peek-into-what-life-could-look-like-on-mars-275336">Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars</a>

An isotopic assessment of the minerals inside the crater was conducted to prove that the crater is the oldest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/illegal-sand-mining-still-ongoing-in-madhya-pradesh-says-mineral-resources-minister-275165">Minerals </a>such as monazite and zircon were both found at the site.

<img alt="Decrystaliization" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d97a24c7-2718-4047-999d-457695643f0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_110599716_usecrystal.jpg" />

They had recrystallized due to the ''sudden'' impact of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-space-probe-on-its-way-back-after-asteroid-mission-262935">asteroid</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-275736">Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it</a>

The discoveries made by researchers were published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

The crater got eroded with the passage of time and thus making it difficult to determine its original size.

According to the latest findings, the new age estimate of this crater is much more accurate than the previous ones.

Also watch:&nbsp;A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue!

&nbsp;

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''This crater was created right at the end of Snowball Earth which is the time duration in which the atmosphere along with the oceans was involving and were becoming more oxygenated. Glacial conditions were recorded when rocks deposited on continents,'' said Chris Kirkland, the co-author of the study and a professor at the Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Perth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-begin-screening-passengers-from-china-as-coronavirus-continues-to-spread-275594">Australia</a>.

According to Nicholas Timms, the study co-author and associate professor at the same university, ''the age of this impact crater is similar to that of the demise of a series of ancient glaciations''.&nbsp;

It was half a trillion tons of water vapour, an effective and the most abundant greenhouse gas that absorbed radiation and send it back to the surface of the Earth that resulted in the meltdown of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/climate-change-due-to-deforestation-worries-people-in-gilgit-baltistan-275823">glaciers</a>.

The collision of an asteroid with the Earth's surface more than 2 billion years ago created the oldest impact crater known as Yarrabubba crater in Western Australia.

The collision of an asteroid with the Earth's surface more than 2 billion years ago created the oldest impact crater known as Yarrabubba crater in Western Australia. According to research, it precedes others by 200 million years. And it was due to it that the planet was able to exit the state of frozenness. Also read: Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars An isotopic assessment of the minerals inside the crater was conducted to prove that the crater is the oldest. Minerals such as monazite and zircon were both found at the site. They had recrystallized due to the ''sudden'' impact of the asteroid. Also read: Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it The discoveries made by researchers were published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications. The crater got eroded with the passage of time and thus making it difficult to determine its original size. According to the latest findings, the new age estimate of this crater is much more accurate than the previous ones. Also watch: A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue! ''This crater was created right at the end of Snowball Earth which is the time duration in which the atmosphere along with the oceans was involving and were becoming more oxygenated. Glacial conditions were recorded when rocks deposited on continents,'' said Chris Kirkland, the co-author of the study and a professor at the Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Perth, Australia. According to Nicholas Timms, the study co-author and associate professor at the same university, ''the age of this impact crater is similar to that of the demise of a series of ancient glaciations''. It was half a trillion tons of water vapour, an effective and the most abundant greenhouse gas that absorbed radiation and send it back to the surface of the Earth that resulted in the meltdown of the glaciers.

Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study

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