Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club.

But what if you become a 'quintilllionaire'? With 18 zeroes in your net worth, the Bezoses and Musks of the world wouldn't stand a chance against you.

All you have to do is go to space, travel to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and mine metals from an asteroid. It is estimated that the asteroid is made of metals worth 10 quintillions! The asteroid is literally biggest floating bank in our solar system!

If you think this is crazy, obtain info on an asteroid dubbed 16 Psyche. It is located in the main asteroid belt.

The asteroid, first discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852 is made up of exposed metallic iron, nickel and even gold. Scientists think that the asteroid is part of remains of the core of a shattered planetesimal, that is, a clump of space rocks that was on the verge of becoming a planet but didn't.&nbsp;

From Earth, asteroid 16 Psych appears hazy but by analysing the light reflected off the surface of the asteroid, scientists have been able to conclude that it is very rich in metals.

Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club.

Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club. But what if you become a 'quintilllionaire'? With 18 zeroes in your net worth, the Bezoses and Musks of the world wouldn't stand a chance against you. All you have to do is go to space, travel to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and mine metals from an asteroid. It is estimated that the asteroid is made of metals worth 10 quintillions! The asteroid is literally biggest floating bank in our solar system! If you think this is crazy, obtain info on an asteroid dubbed 16 Psyche. It is located in the main asteroid belt. The asteroid, first discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852 is made up of exposed metallic iron, nickel and even gold. Scientists think that the asteroid is part of remains of the core of a shattered planetesimal, that is, a clump of space rocks that was on the verge of becoming a planet but didn't. From Earth, asteroid 16 Psych appears hazy but by analysing the light reflected off the surface of the asteroid, scientists have been able to conclude that it is very rich in metals.

This asteroid can make you richer than a billionaire

A huge a kilometer-sized asteroid will fly past Earth later this month, according to NASA's asteroid tracker, marking the first flyby of an asteroid of this scale in 2022. &nbsp;

If an asteroid collided with Earth, it could cause a global disaster, but this is fortunately unlikely.

This asteroid, designated 7482 (1994 PC1), is expected to have a diameter of at least 1 kilometre and a width of up to 1.3 kilometres.

That's more than four times the size of the Eiffel Tower and 3.5 times the size of the Empire State Building in New York City.&nbsp;

The asteroid is classified as an Apollo-class asteroid, which means that its orbit is broader than Earth's and that its orbital path around the Sun may cross our planet's.

Furthermore, NASA has classified it as a potentially hazardous asteroid.&nbsp;

An impact, on the other hand, is exceedingly unlikely.

According to NASA's projections, 7482 (1994 PC1) will approach Earth on January 18 at a distance of roughly 1.98 million kilometres.

The Earth's distance from the moon is around 384,000 kilometres, which is more than five times less.

This confirms NASA's previous projections, which stated that the Earth would be safe from asteroid strikes within the next 100 years.&nbsp;

However, if the Earth had not been so fortunate, the consequences could have been disastrous.

According to a study from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science's Davidson Institute of Science, an asteroid with a diameter of more than 140 metres would release an amount of energy a thousand times greater than the first atomic bomb if it collided with Earth.

Something even bigger, like the asteroid Apophis, which is almost 300 metres wide, might wipe out an entire continent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A huge a kilometer-sized asteroid will fly past Earth later this month, according to NASA's asteroid tracker, marking the first flyby of an asteroid of this scale in 2022.

A huge a kilometer-sized asteroid will fly past Earth later this month, according to NASA's asteroid tracker, marking the first flyby of an asteroid of this scale in 2022. If an asteroid collided with Earth, it could cause a global disaster, but this is fortunately unlikely. This asteroid, designated 7482 (1994 PC1), is expected to have a diameter of at least 1 kilometre and a width of up to 1.3 kilometres. That's more than four times the size of the Eiffel Tower and 3.5 times the size of the Empire State Building in New York City. The asteroid is classified as an Apollo-class asteroid, which means that its orbit is broader than Earth's and that its orbital path around the Sun may cross our planet's. Furthermore, NASA has classified it as a potentially hazardous asteroid. An impact, on the other hand, is exceedingly unlikely. According to NASA's projections, 7482 (1994 PC1) will approach Earth on January 18 at a distance of roughly 1.98 million kilometres. The Earth's distance from the moon is around 384,000 kilometres, which is more than five times less. This confirms NASA's previous projections, which stated that the Earth would be safe from asteroid strikes within the next 100 years. However, if the Earth had not been so fortunate, the consequences could have been disastrous. According to a study from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science's Davidson Institute of Science, an asteroid with a diameter of more than 140 metres would release an amount of energy a thousand times greater than the first atomic bomb if it collided with Earth. Something even bigger, like the asteroid Apophis, which is almost 300 metres wide, might wipe out an entire continent. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid the size of golden gate bridge to pass by earth on January 18

An around 104-metre-wide asteroid is set to pass near Earth on January 11, a report said. &nbsp;

The asteroid, which will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth, has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”, the Mirror reported. &nbsp;

The rock, which has been named Asteroid 2013 YD48 by NASA, seems to be bigger than the iconic Big Ben. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-deploys-pallets-crucial-process-begins-440922" hreflang="en">James Webb Space Telescope deploys pallets, crucial process begins</a>

Although it will miss Earth by a long distance, it’s actually not that much in terms of space. &nbsp;

NASA seems to classify any object that passes within 120 million miles of Earth as a Near-Earth Object (NEO). &nbsp;

Even tiny changes in the trajectories due to any obstruction can prove fatal for Earth. &nbsp;

Numerous scientists spend hours every day to track thousands of such rocks to know more about universe and take timely action if Earth is in danger. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-capture-an-erupting-black-hole-12-million-light-years-from-earth-440799" hreflang="en">Astronomers capture an erupting black hole 12 million light-years from Earth</a>

This is not the only asteroid&nbsp;to come closer to Earth in coming weeks. &nbsp;

A 7-m-wide asteroid, which has been named 2014 YE15, will pass by on January 6. It will be 4.6 million miles from Earth.

And on January 7, an asteroid named 2020 AP1, which is only 4-m-wide, will pass near Earth by being around 1.08 million miles from it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An around 104-metre-wide asteroid is set to pass near Earth on January 11, a report said. The asteroid, which will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth, has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”, the Mirror reported.

An around 104-metre-wide asteroid is set to pass near Earth on January 11, a report said. The asteroid, which will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth, has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”, the Mirror reported. The rock, which has been named Asteroid 2013 YD48 by NASA, seems to be bigger than the iconic Big Ben. Also Read: James Webb Space Telescope deploys pallets, crucial process begins Although it will miss Earth by a long distance, it’s actually not that much in terms of space. NASA seems to classify any object that passes within 120 million miles of Earth as a Near-Earth Object (NEO). Even tiny changes in the trajectories due to any obstruction can prove fatal for Earth. Numerous scientists spend hours every day to track thousands of such rocks to know more about universe and take timely action if Earth is in danger. Also Read: Astronomers capture an erupting black hole 12 million light-years from Earth This is not the only asteroid to come closer to Earth in coming weeks. A 7-m-wide asteroid, which has been named 2014 YE15, will pass by on January 6. It will be 4.6 million miles from Earth. And on January 7, an asteroid named 2020 AP1, which is only 4-m-wide, will pass near Earth by being around 1.08 million miles from it. (With inputs from agencies)

Catch ultimate glimpse: 104-m-wide asteroid set to pass near Earth on January 11

How did the dinosaurs become extinct...? It is probably one of the most googled questions as the curiosity to know more about dinosaurs keeps intriguing people.

The palaeontological studies of the fossilised remains such as bones and teeth of the extinct dinosaurs have given sufficient information about the species as the experts now analyse physiological aspects to behavioural characteristics of the extinct animals. &nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="This is the most well-preserved Dinosaur egg ever discovered">This is the most well-preserved Dinosaur egg ever discovered</a>

The research in this area has shed light upon the events that led to their disappearance from the planet Earth. As per the geological that, the dinosaurs became extinct about 66 million years ago, somewhere between the Cretaceous and Paleogene eras.&nbsp;

It is understood and also the studies have indicated that a massive environmental change which was a large asteroid impact with Earth or vast volcanic eruption caused the wipeout of non-avian dinosaurs.&nbsp;

The Chicxulub crater, which is below the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is the impact size when the asteroid travelling at a speed of approximately 43,000 km/h struck Earth. Studies found out that it was measured about 12 kilometres in diameter.&nbsp;

More than 75 per cent of all life on Earth was extinct after the impact, however, scientists are still studying the after-effects of this impact. The life around the area of impact must have been killed instantly but that was not just it, the damage continued afterwards also.&nbsp;

But what happened after that?

New research has found that the asteroid's impact led to years of darkness on the Earth and soot from raging wildfires filled the sky, blocking the sunlight to reach the surface. It contributed to the wave of extinctions that followed.

As per the study, the cloud of ash and smoke and soot particles persisted for up to two years and caused darkness in large parts of the Earth. It also made it hard for anything to grow or survive.

Live Science published a detailed report citing research presented on December 16 at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), held in New Orleans and online.

The research revealed that the dense clouds of smoke and ash could have led to the photosynthesis process to fail and leading to ecosystem collapse. It is also noted that even after sunlight returned, this decline could have persisted for decades more.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-warns-himalayan-glaciers-melting-at-exceptional-rate-438872" hreflang="en">Research warns Himalayan glaciers melting at 'exceptional rate'</a>

Peter Roopnarine, a curator of geology in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology at California Academy of Sciences, and a presenter at the AGU meeting told Live Science in an email that how the darkness played a part in the mass extinctions. He said that in the past decade or so that researchers developed models showing how that darkness may have impacted life.&nbsp;

"The common thinking now is that global wildfires would have been the main source of fine soot that would have been suspended into the upper atmosphere," Roopnarine said.&nbsp;

He added, "The concentration of soot within the first several days to weeks of the fires would have been high enough to reduce the amount of incoming sunlight to a level low enough to prevent photosynthesis."

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Perfectly preserved baby dinosaur discovered

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-perfectly-preserved-baby-dinosaur-discovered-439142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

How did the dinosaurs become extinct...? It is probably one of the most googled questions as the curiosity to know more about dinosaurs keeps intriguing people. The palaeontological studies of the fossilised remains such as bones and teeth of the extinct dinosaurs have given sufficient information about the species as the experts now analyse physiological aspects to behavioural characteristics of the extinct animals.

How did the dinosaurs become extinct...? It is probably one of the most googled questions as the curiosity to know more about dinosaurs keeps intriguing people. The palaeontological studies of the fossilised remains such as bones and teeth of the extinct dinosaurs have given sufficient information about the species as the experts now analyse physiological aspects to behavioural characteristics of the extinct animals. ALSO READ | This is the most well-preserved Dinosaur egg ever discovered The research in this area has shed light upon the events that led to their disappearance from the planet Earth. As per the geological that, the dinosaurs became extinct about 66 million years ago, somewhere between the Cretaceous and Paleogene eras. It is understood and also the studies have indicated that a massive environmental change which was a large asteroid impact with Earth or vast volcanic eruption caused the wipeout of non-avian dinosaurs. The Chicxulub crater, which is below the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is the impact size when the asteroid travelling at a speed of approximately 43,000 km/h struck Earth. Studies found out that it was measured about 12 kilometres in diameter. More than 75 per cent of all life on Earth was extinct after the impact, however, scientists are still studying the after-effects of this impact. The life around the area of impact must have been killed instantly but that was not just it, the damage continued afterwards also. But what happened after that? New research has found that the asteroid's impact led to years of darkness on the Earth and soot from raging wildfires filled the sky, blocking the sunlight to reach the surface. It contributed to the wave of extinctions that followed. As per the study, the cloud of ash and smoke and soot particles persisted for up to two years and caused darkness in large parts of the Earth. It also made it hard for anything to grow or survive. Live Science published a detailed report citing research presented on December 16 at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), held in New Orleans and online. The research revealed that the dense clouds of smoke and ash could have led to the photosynthesis process to fail and leading to ecosystem collapse. It is also noted that even after sunlight returned, this decline could have persisted for decades more. ALSO READ | Research warns Himalayan glaciers melting at 'exceptional rate' Peter Roopnarine, a curator of geology in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology at California Academy of Sciences, and a presenter at the AGU meeting told Live Science in an email that how the darkness played a part in the mass extinctions. He said that in the past decade or so that researchers developed models showing how that darkness may have impacted life. "The common thinking now is that global wildfires would have been the main source of fine soot that would have been suspended into the upper atmosphere," Roopnarine said. He added, "The concentration of soot within the first several days to weeks of the fires would have been high enough to reduce the amount of incoming sunlight to a level low enough to prevent photosynthesis." WATCH | Gravitas: Perfectly preserved baby dinosaur discovered ×

Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals

This weekend, an asteroid with a diameter of over 1,000 feet will fly by Earth, but it is not likely to impact our planet.

NASA has classified the asteroid 4660 Nereus, found in 1982, as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" due to its size and proximity to Earth.

It stands 20 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower, at 1,083 feet.

According to NASA, there are less than 10,000 near-Earth objects the same size or larger than 4660 Nereus.

The asteroid, which EarthSky claims travels at 14,719 mph, circles the sun every 664 days and passes reasonably close to Earth roughly once every decade.

However, this will be the asteroid's closest approach to Earth since its discovery.&nbsp;

According to NASA, the asteroid will be roughly 2.4 million miles away from Earth on Saturday, the closest it will be until 2060, when it will be only 744,576 miles away.

The space rock is worth $5 billion in precious metals

According to Asterank, a database that tracks over 600,000 asteroids, 4660 Nereus is worth $4.71 billion.

It has such a high value because it is rich in nickel, iron, and cobalt.

According to Forbes, only three sports franchises are worth more than the asteroid: the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and New York Knicks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

This weekend, an asteroid with a diameter of over 1,000 feet will fly by Earth, but it is not likely to impact our planet. NASA has classified the asteroid 4660 Nereus, found in 1982, as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" due to its size and proximity to Earth.

This weekend, an asteroid with a diameter of over 1,000 feet will fly by Earth, but it is not likely to impact our planet. NASA has classified the asteroid 4660 Nereus, found in 1982, as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" due to its size and proximity to Earth. It stands 20 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower, at 1,083 feet. According to NASA, there are less than 10,000 near-Earth objects the same size or larger than 4660 Nereus. The asteroid, which EarthSky claims travels at 14,719 mph, circles the sun every 664 days and passes reasonably close to Earth roughly once every decade. However, this will be the asteroid's closest approach to Earth since its discovery. According to NASA, the asteroid will be roughly 2.4 million miles away from Earth on Saturday, the closest it will be until 2060, when it will be only 744,576 miles away. The space rock is worth $5 billion in precious metals According to Asterank, a database that tracks over 600,000 asteroids, 4660 Nereus is worth $4.71 billion. It has such a high value because it is rich in nickel, iron, and cobalt. According to Forbes, only three sports franchises are worth more than the asteroid: the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and New York Knicks. (With inputs from agencies)

This huge asteroid, set to fly past earth, is worth $5 billion in metals

All end-of-the-world thrillseekers have a reason to rejoice as a huge asteroid is due to break into Earth's orbit. The asteroid isn't too small. It's bigger than Eiffel Tower.

It measures about 1082 foot. NASA has its eye on Asteroid 4660 Nereus. This asteroid is a frequent visitor to Earth's neighbourhood as orbit comes pretty close to that of Earth. So much so that the asteroid has been placed in 'potentially hazardous' category.

The asteroid was spotted by astronomer Eleanor Helin in 1982. &nbsp;

This time, the closest approach is slated to take place on December 10. Although Asteroid Nereus has been classified as 'potentially hazardous', it's a relief that it will shoot past Earth and there is no threat of collision with Earth.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sky-is-busy-this-weekend-is-full-of-celestial-events-433493">Sky is busy: This weekend is full of celestial events</a>

The asteroid is travelling at a speed of 14,700 miles per hour. It will shoot past Earth at a distance of 2.4 million miles.

Asteroids are serious business. Ask dinosaurs. Wait, they aren't here courtesy of a space rock that collided with Earth.

We know this and that's why countries and space agencies around the world are busy drawing plans of what should be done if a sufficiently large space-rock is on collision course with Earth.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-wants-you-to-help-in-establishing-a-nuclear-reactor-on-the-moon-by-2030-433415">NASA wants you to help in establishing a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030</a>

One of the options that has been talked about a lot is nuking the rogue asteroid to pieces. While this may theoretically sound well there are concerns about Asteroid breaking into several parts and still hitting Earth. There is also the issue of radiation arising from the nuclear explosion.

NASA is hence testing whether an incoming asteroid can be nudged away from Earth by crashing a spacecraft on it. NASA's DART mission is aiming to test this way of planetary defence. The mission has been launched and the spacecraft is due to crash into the asteroid in September 2022

All end-of-the-world thrillseekers have a reason to rejoice as a huge asteroid is due to break into Earth's orbit. The asteroid isn't too small. It's bigger than Eiffel Tower.

All end-of-the-world thrillseekers have a reason to rejoice as a huge asteroid is due to break into Earth's orbit. The asteroid isn't too small. It's bigger than Eiffel Tower. It measures about 1082 foot. NASA has its eye on Asteroid 4660 Nereus. This asteroid is a frequent visitor to Earth's neighbourhood as orbit comes pretty close to that of Earth. So much so that the asteroid has been placed in 'potentially hazardous' category. The asteroid was spotted by astronomer Eleanor Helin in 1982. This time, the closest approach is slated to take place on December 10. Although Asteroid Nereus has been classified as 'potentially hazardous', it's a relief that it will shoot past Earth and there is no threat of collision with Earth. Also Read | Sky is busy: This weekend is full of celestial events The asteroid is travelling at a speed of 14,700 miles per hour. It will shoot past Earth at a distance of 2.4 million miles. Asteroids are serious business. Ask dinosaurs. Wait, they aren't here courtesy of a space rock that collided with Earth. We know this and that's why countries and space agencies around the world are busy drawing plans of what should be done if a sufficiently large space-rock is on collision course with Earth. Also Read | NASA wants you to help in establishing a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 One of the options that has been talked about a lot is nuking the rogue asteroid to pieces. While this may theoretically sound well there are concerns about Asteroid breaking into several parts and still hitting Earth. There is also the issue of radiation arising from the nuclear explosion. NASA is hence testing whether an incoming asteroid can be nudged away from Earth by crashing a spacecraft on it. NASA's DART mission is aiming to test this way of planetary defence. The mission has been launched and the spacecraft is due to crash into the asteroid in September 2022

Asteroid bigger than Eiffel Tower to enter Earth's orbit soon

Do you think dinosaurs ever stood a chance against the asteroid that wiped off the mighty creatures? If they were sentient beings and could have protected themselves. Does humanity stand a chance when it comes to something like that...an asteroid so massive it can wipe out the entire planet?

The answer is yes, we actually might. Scientists at NASA are planning a mission to deliberately crash a spacecraft into an asteroid -- as a test run, in case a giant space rock is heading towards us to wipe out life on Earth one day.

Just to be clear, the asteroids in question pose no threat to our planet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-avert-armageddon-nasa-to-collide-spacecraft-into-asteroid-to-alter-its-orbit-431319">To avert Armageddon, NASA to collide spacecraft into asteroid to alter its orbit</a>

DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) is not science fiction, but a real proof-of-concept experiment launching Tuesday night at 10:21 pm Pacific Time (0621 GMT Wednesday) on a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

"All systems and weather are looking good for tonight's Falcon 9 launch," Elon Musk's company tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All systems and weather are looking good for tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>’s DART into an asteroid-intercepting interplanetary trajectory → <a href="https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK">https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK</a> <a href="https://t.co/BBrMndhpkQ">pic.twitter.com/BBrMndhpkQ</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1463211847281090560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This mission will slightly alter Dimorphos' trajectory, a "moonlet" that is about 525 feet (160 meters) wide and circles a much larger asteroid known as Didymos (2,500 feet in diameter). The two, orbit the Sun together.

The impact will likely occur in the fall of 2022 when the binary asteroid system will be 6.8 million miles away (11 million kilometres), which is the nearest they will ever be to Earth.&nbsp;

"What we're trying to learn is how to deflect a threat," NASA's top scientist Thomas Zuburchen said of the $330 million project, the first of its kind.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubble-telescope-captures-violent-process-of-star-formation-431507" hreflang="en">Hubble telescope captures violent process of star formation</a>

While the asteroids in question pose no threat to Earth, nevertheless, they belong to a class of bodies known as Near-Earth Objects (NEO), asteroids and comets that approach within 30 million miles of our planet.

Specifically, NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office is more interested in space objects larger than 460 feet in size, which can destroy entire cities and regions with more energy than an average nuclear bomb.

At present, there are 10,000 near-Earth asteroids larger than 460 feet, but none has a significant chance of hitting the Earth within a century.&nbsp;

However, one major caveat: It is important to note that scientists believe there are still 15,000 more such objects just waiting to be found.

While planetary scientists can simulate miniature impacts in laboratories and use the results to generate sophisticated models about how to divert an asteroid, models are never as effective as real-world experiments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strange-rock-thought-to-be-gold-turns-out-far-more-valuable-431237" hreflang="en">Strange rock thought to be gold turns out far more valuable</a>

Didymos-Dimorphos is considered an "ideal natural laboratory," since Earth-based telescopes can easily measure the brightness variation of the pair and calculate how long it takes the moonlet to orbit its big brother.

And since the current orbit period is known, the change in this period will reveal the impact's effect, which is scheduled between September 26 and October 1, 2022.

DART investigation team leader Andy Rivkin said the current orbital period is 11 hours 55 minutes, but the kick is expected to shave around 10 minutes off that time.

In addition, since these asteroids do not intersect our planet's orbit, they are considered to be safer to study.

Watch |&nbsp;A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue!

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-giant-asteroid-just-whizzed-past-earth-and-no-one-had-a-clue-239162/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

To put it into perspective, the DART probe, which is a box as big as a large fridge with solar panels the size of limousines on either side, will crash into Dimorphos at approximately 15,000 miles an hour.

What else can be done to protect the Earth from space objects?

While the so-called "kinetic impactor" method isn't the only way to divert an asteroid, it is the only one that can be deployed today.

Another possibility includes flying a spacecraft nearby to produce a small gravitational force.&nbsp;

A third option is to explode a nuclear device close by, but not on the object, as in the movies Armageddon and Deep Impact. However, this would likely create even more hazardous objects.

Do you think dinosaurs ever stood a chance against the asteroid that wiped off the mighty creatures? If they were sentient beings and could have protected themselves.

Do you think dinosaurs ever stood a chance against the asteroid that wiped off the mighty creatures? If they were sentient beings and could have protected themselves. Does humanity stand a chance when it comes to something like that...an asteroid so massive it can wipe out the entire planet? The answer is yes, we actually might. Scientists at NASA are planning a mission to deliberately crash a spacecraft into an asteroid -- as a test run, in case a giant space rock is heading towards us to wipe out life on Earth one day. Just to be clear, the asteroids in question pose no threat to our planet. Also read | To avert Armageddon, NASA to collide spacecraft into asteroid to alter its orbit DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) is not science fiction, but a real proof-of-concept experiment launching Tuesday night at 10:21 pm Pacific Time (0621 GMT Wednesday) on a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. "All systems and weather are looking good for tonight's Falcon 9 launch," Elon Musk's company tweeted. All systems and weather are looking good for tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of @NASA’s DART into an asteroid-intercepting interplanetary trajectory → https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK pic.twitter.com/BBrMndhpkQ — SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 23, 2021 × This mission will slightly alter Dimorphos' trajectory, a "moonlet" that is about 525 feet (160 meters) wide and circles a much larger asteroid known as Didymos (2,500 feet in diameter). The two, orbit the Sun together. The impact will likely occur in the fall of 2022 when the binary asteroid system will be 6.8 million miles away (11 million kilometres), which is the nearest they will ever be to Earth. "What we're trying to learn is how to deflect a threat," NASA's top scientist Thomas Zuburchen said of the $330 million project, the first of its kind. Also read | Hubble telescope captures violent process of star formation While the asteroids in question pose no threat to Earth, nevertheless, they belong to a class of bodies known as Near-Earth Objects (NEO), asteroids and comets that approach within 30 million miles of our planet. Specifically, NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office is more interested in space objects larger than 460 feet in size, which can destroy entire cities and regions with more energy than an average nuclear bomb. At present, there are 10,000 near-Earth asteroids larger than 460 feet, but none has a significant chance of hitting the Earth within a century. However, one major caveat: It is important to note that scientists believe there are still 15,000 more such objects just waiting to be found. While planetary scientists can simulate miniature impacts in laboratories and use the results to generate sophisticated models about how to divert an asteroid, models are never as effective as real-world experiments. Also read: Strange rock thought to be gold turns out far more valuable Didymos-Dimorphos is considered an "ideal natural laboratory," since Earth-based telescopes can easily measure the brightness variation of the pair and calculate how long it takes the moonlet to orbit its big brother. And since the current orbit period is known, the change in this period will reveal the impact's effect, which is scheduled between September 26 and October 1, 2022. DART investigation team leader Andy Rivkin said the current orbital period is 11 hours 55 minutes, but the kick is expected to shave around 10 minutes off that time. In addition, since these asteroids do not intersect our planet's orbit, they are considered to be safer to study. Watch | A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue! To put it into perspective, the DART probe, which is a box as big as a large fridge with solar panels the size of limousines on either side, will crash into Dimorphos at approximately 15,000 miles an hour. What else can be done to protect the Earth from space objects? While the so-called "kinetic impactor" method isn't the only way to divert an asteroid, it is the only one that can be deployed today. Another possibility includes flying a spacecraft nearby to produce a small gravitational force. A third option is to explode a nuclear device close by, but not on the object, as in the movies Armageddon and Deep Impact. However, this would likely create even more hazardous objects.

NASA, SpaceX to launch spacecraft today and kick an asteroid off course. Are we in danger?

A NASA mission to deliberately smash a spacecraft into an asteroid to see if its course can be altered blasted off Tuesday from California.

The SpaceX rocket carrying the experiment lifted off at 10:21 pm Pacific Time (0621 GMT Wednesday) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, NASA TV's live stream showed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spacex-to-launch-spacecraft-today-and-kick-an-asteroid-off-course-are-we-in-danger-431513">NASA, SpaceX to launch spacecraft today and kick an asteroid off course. Are we in danger?</a>

After the launch, taking to Twitter NASA announced "Asteroid Dimorphos: we're coming for you!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Asteroid Dimorphos: we're coming for you! 
 
Riding a <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Falcon 9 rocket, our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DARTMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DARTMission</a> blasted off at 1:21am EST (06:21 UTC), launching the world's first mission to test asteroid-deflecting technology. <a href="https://t.co/FRj1hMyzgH">pic.twitter.com/FRj1hMyzgH</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1463392778398973953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SpaceX also tweeted a live feed of the launch:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Watch Falcon 9 launch <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>’s DART mission – humanity’s first planetary defense test to redirect an asteroid <a href="https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK">https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK</a> <a href="https://t.co/XMKYOGAjbB">https://t.co/XMKYOGAjbB</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1463388253625589765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The DART mission is a planetary defence-driven test of technologies to prevent an impact of an asteroid on Earth. In this demonstration, a kinetic impactor technique will be used to change the motion of an asteroid in space for the first time.&nbsp;

Under the leadership of APL, the program is managed by NASA's Solar System Exploration Program at Marshall Space Flight Center for NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, as well as the Science Mission Directorate's Planetary Science Division.

The DART spacecraft was designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology. It must be noted that the asteroid being impacted is not a threat to Earth.&nbsp;

Watch the spacecraft's journey here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On our way! 
 
55 minutes into its flight, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DARTMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DARTMission</a> spacecraft has separated from the <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Falcon 9 second stage, and will soon begin to orient itself toward the Sun. <a href="https://t.co/hI6NoQ11zw">pic.twitter.com/hI6NoQ11zw</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1463407550087503875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, if an Earth-threatening asteroid is discovered in the future, NASA believes this asteroid system is a great place to test whether intentionally crashing into an asteroid can change its trajectory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-avert-armageddon-nasa-to-collide-spacecraft-into-asteroid-to-alter-its-orbit-431319">To avert Armageddon, NASA to collide spacecraft into asteroid to alter its orbit</a>

The spacecraft contains sophisticated navigation and imaging instruments, including the Italian Space Agency's Light Italian CubeSat for Imaging of Asteroids (LICIACube), which will monitor the crash and its after-effects.

"The CubeSat is going to give us, we hope, the shot, the most spectacular image of DART's impact and the ejecta plume coming off the asteroid. That will be a truly historic, spectacular image," said Tom Statler, DART program scientist.

The DART probe, which is a box as big as a large fridge with solar panels the size of limousines on either side, will crash into Dimorphos at approximately 15,000 miles an hour.

DART investigation team leader Andy Rivkin said the current orbital period is 11 hours 55 minutes, but the kick is expected to shave around 10 minutes off that time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubble-telescope-captures-violent-process-of-star-formation-431507" hreflang="en">Hubble telescope captures violent process of star formation</a>

Because the moonlet's internal composition and porosity are unknown, it is unclear how much energy will be transferred by the impact.

Apparently, the more debris generated, the greater the force exerted on Dimorphos.

"Every time we show up at an asteroid, we find stuff we don't expect," said Rivkin.

There are 10,000 known near-Earth asteroids 460 feet in size or greater.&nbsp;Despite the fact that no known asteroid larger than 140 meters could potentially strike Earth for the next 100 years, only about 40 per cent of all asteroids have been discovered and/or identified&nbsp;as of October 2021.

Scientists estimate that a 460-foot asteroid strikes the Earth every 20,000 years, and asteroids wider than six miles, like the one which caused the extinction of most life on Earth (including dinosaurs) 66 million years ago, occur every 100-200 million years.

(With inputs from agencies)

A NASA mission to deliberately smash a spacecraft into an asteroid to see if its course can be altered blasted off Tuesday from California. The SpaceX rocket carrying the experiment lifted off at 10:21 pm Pacific Time (0621 GMT Wednesday) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, NASA TV's live stream showed.

A NASA mission to deliberately smash a spacecraft into an asteroid to see if its course can be altered blasted off Tuesday from California. The SpaceX rocket carrying the experiment lifted off at 10:21 pm Pacific Time (0621 GMT Wednesday) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, NASA TV's live stream showed. Also read | NASA, SpaceX to launch spacecraft today and kick an asteroid off course. Are we in danger? After the launch, taking to Twitter NASA announced "Asteroid Dimorphos: we're coming for you!" Asteroid Dimorphos: we're coming for you! Riding a @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, our #DARTMission blasted off at 1:21am EST (06:21 UTC), launching the world's first mission to test asteroid-deflecting technology. pic.twitter.com/FRj1hMyzgH — NASA (@NASA) November 24, 2021 × SpaceX also tweeted a live feed of the launch: Watch Falcon 9 launch @NASA’s DART mission – humanity’s first planetary defense test to redirect an asteroid https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK https://t.co/XMKYOGAjbB — SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 24, 2021 × The DART mission is a planetary defence-driven test of technologies to prevent an impact of an asteroid on Earth. In this demonstration, a kinetic impactor technique will be used to change the motion of an asteroid in space for the first time. Under the leadership of APL, the program is managed by NASA's Solar System Exploration Program at Marshall Space Flight Center for NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, as well as the Science Mission Directorate's Planetary Science Division. The DART spacecraft was designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology. It must be noted that the asteroid being impacted is not a threat to Earth. Watch the spacecraft's journey here: On our way! 55 minutes into its flight, the #DARTMission spacecraft has separated from the @SpaceX Falcon 9 second stage, and will soon begin to orient itself toward the Sun. pic.twitter.com/hI6NoQ11zw — NASA (@NASA) November 24, 2021 × However, if an Earth-threatening asteroid is discovered in the future, NASA believes this asteroid system is a great place to test whether intentionally crashing into an asteroid can change its trajectory. Also read | To avert Armageddon, NASA to collide spacecraft into asteroid to alter its orbit The spacecraft contains sophisticated navigation and imaging instruments, including the Italian Space Agency's Light Italian CubeSat for Imaging of Asteroids (LICIACube), which will monitor the crash and its after-effects. "The CubeSat is going to give us, we hope, the shot, the most spectacular image of DART's impact and the ejecta plume coming off the asteroid. That will be a truly historic, spectacular image," said Tom Statler, DART program scientist. The DART probe, which is a box as big as a large fridge with solar panels the size of limousines on either side, will crash into Dimorphos at approximately 15,000 miles an hour. DART investigation team leader Andy Rivkin said the current orbital period is 11 hours 55 minutes, but the kick is expected to shave around 10 minutes off that time. Also read | Hubble telescope captures violent process of star formation Because the moonlet's internal composition and porosity are unknown, it is unclear how much energy will be transferred by the impact. Apparently, the more debris generated, the greater the force exerted on Dimorphos. "Every time we show up at an asteroid, we find stuff we don't expect," said Rivkin. There are 10,000 known near-Earth asteroids 460 feet in size or greater. Despite the fact that no known asteroid larger than 140 meters could potentially strike Earth for the next 100 years, only about 40 per cent of all asteroids have been discovered and/or identified as of October 2021. Scientists estimate that a 460-foot asteroid strikes the Earth every 20,000 years, and asteroids wider than six miles, like the one which caused the extinction of most life on Earth (including dinosaurs) 66 million years ago, occur every 100-200 million years. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | NASA mission to test out Armageddon scenario blasts off

There's nothing like striking gold, especially when you are looking for something valuable. And a man thought the same when he found unusually heavy rock. In 2015, David Hole was prospecting using a metal detector in Maryborough Regional Park near Melbourne, Australia. The rock was unusually heavy, reddish and was lying in yellow clay.

He was sure that he had found a nugget of gold. Marybourough, where he found that rock lies in the Goldsfield region.&nbsp;

David Hole tried to break the rock. He used a sledgehammer, a drill and even doused the rock in acid. But no luck. The rock remained intact.

He kept the rock anyway. And years later he found out that it was far more valuable than gold.

Finally, he took the rock to Melbourne Museum for identification. It was revealed that the rock was a meteorite.

"It had this sculpted, dimpled look to it," Melbourne museum geologist Dermot Henry told The Sydney Morning Herald.

The researchers concluded that the rock was 4.6 billion years old! It hadn't been on Earth during all this period though.

When solar system was in infancy, it was a swirling mass of gas and dust. This particular meteorite may have been one of the millions of space rocks floating in space. Researchers concluded that it may have fallen between 100 and 1000 years ago.

There's nothing like striking gold, especially when you are looking for something valuable. And a man thought the same when he found unusually heavy rock. In 2015, David Hole was prospecting using a metal detector in Maryborough Regional Park near Melbourne, Australia.

There's nothing like striking gold, especially when you are looking for something valuable. And a man thought the same when he found unusually heavy rock. In 2015, David Hole was prospecting using a metal detector in Maryborough Regional Park near Melbourne, Australia. The rock was unusually heavy, reddish and was lying in yellow clay. He was sure that he had found a nugget of gold. Marybourough, where he found that rock lies in the Goldsfield region. David Hole tried to break the rock. He used a sledgehammer, a drill and even doused the rock in acid. But no luck. The rock remained intact. He kept the rock anyway. And years later he found out that it was far more valuable than gold. Finally, he took the rock to Melbourne Museum for identification. It was revealed that the rock was a meteorite. "It had this sculpted, dimpled look to it," Melbourne museum geologist Dermot Henry told The Sydney Morning Herald. The researchers concluded that the rock was 4.6 billion years old! It hadn't been on Earth during all this period though. When solar system was in infancy, it was a swirling mass of gas and dust. This particular meteorite may have been one of the millions of space rocks floating in space. Researchers concluded that it may have fallen between 100 and 1000 years ago.

Strange rock thought to be gold emerges far more valuable

In what can be called the first case of humanity’s interference in the gravitational dance of the solar system, NASA is going to launch a mission to deliberately collide a spacecraft into an asteroid in order to alter its orbit. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The agency will carry out the mission on Wednesday. The aim of the mission is to test drive a planetary defence system, which can prevent from extinction. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-astronomers-discover-stars-hotter-than-sun-430818" hreflang="en">Indian astronomers discover stars hotter than Sun</a>

It will provide the first real data about what it is needed to deflect an Armageddon-inducing asteroid away from Earth.&nbsp;

The NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is the first attempt to test if such asteroid deflection is a realistic strategy. It will look into the possibility that whether a spacecraft can autonomously navigate to a target asteroid and intentionally collide with it along with measuring the amount of deflection. &nbsp;

The 610 kg DART spacecraft will blast off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strange-rock-thought-to-be-gold-turns-out-far-more-valuable-431237" hreflang="en">Strange rock thought to be gold turns out far more valuable</a>

Its target is the Didymos system, a harmless pair of asteroids, which consists of a 163-metre “moonlet” asteroid called Dimorphos orbiting a larger 780-metre asteroid called Didymos. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jay Tate, director, National Near Earth Objects Information Centre in Knighton in Powys, Wales, said, “This is the first step to actually try a way of preventing near-Earth object impact. If it works, it would be a big deal, because it would prove that we have the technical capability of protecting ourselves.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what can be called the first case of humanity’s interference in the gravitational dance of the solar system, NASA is going to launch a mission to deliberately collide a spacecraft into an asteroid in order to alter its orbit.

In what can be called the first case of humanity’s interference in the gravitational dance of the solar system, NASA is going to launch a mission to deliberately collide a spacecraft into an asteroid in order to alter its orbit. The agency will carry out the mission on Wednesday. The aim of the mission is to test drive a planetary defence system, which can prevent from extinction. Also Read: Indian astronomers discover stars hotter than Sun It will provide the first real data about what it is needed to deflect an Armageddon-inducing asteroid away from Earth. The NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is the first attempt to test if such asteroid deflection is a realistic strategy. It will look into the possibility that whether a spacecraft can autonomously navigate to a target asteroid and intentionally collide with it along with measuring the amount of deflection. The 610 kg DART spacecraft will blast off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday. Also Read: Strange rock thought to be gold turns out far more valuable Its target is the Didymos system, a harmless pair of asteroids, which consists of a 163-metre “moonlet” asteroid called Dimorphos orbiting a larger 780-metre asteroid called Didymos. Jay Tate, director, National Near Earth Objects Information Centre in Knighton in Powys, Wales, said, “This is the first step to actually try a way of preventing near-Earth object impact. If it works, it would be a big deal, because it would prove that we have the technical capability of protecting ourselves.” (With inputs from agencies)

To avert Armageddon, NASA to collide spacecraft into asteroid to alter its orbit

NASA has unveiled a spacecraft that will act as Earth's 'planetary defence' against asteroids.

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is a test mission that will be launched by the US space agency on November 24&nbsp;aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

According to Lindley Johnson, NASA's Planetary Defence Officer, ''Although there isn't a currently known asteroid that's on an impact course with the Earth, we do know that there is a large population of near-Earth asteroids out there.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dragon-black-holes-that-defy-norms-of-physics-can-mess-with-your-future-426577" hreflang="en">'Dragon' black holes that defy norms of physics can mess with your future</a>

"The key to planetary defence is finding them well before they are an impact threat," Johnson said.

"We don't want to be in a situation where an asteroid is headed towards Earth and then have to test this capability."

The spacecraft weighs 1,210 pounds and will change the course of asteroids at a speed of 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kph).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-nasas-mars-curiosity-rover-detects-organic-molecules-on-the-surface-of-red-planet-426481" hreflang="en">In a first, NASA's Mars Curiosity rover detects organic molecules on the surface of Red Planet</a>

DART will target a double asteroid Didymos and its moon Dimorphos that are approximately 6.8 million miles away from the Earth.

''We are targeting to be as nearly head-on as possible to cause the biggest deflection,'' said Nancy Chabot of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, who built the DART spacecraft.

The amount of deflection will depend to a certain extent on the composition of Dimorphos and scientists are not entirely certain how porous the asteroid is.

The mission will enhance modelling and predictive capabilities to help scientists better prepare for an actual asteroid threat should one ever be discovered.

More than 27,000 near-Earth asteroids have been catalogued by NASA.

An asteroid discovered in 1999 known as Bennu that is 1,650 feet wide will pass within half the distance of the Earth to the Moon in the year 2135 but the probability of an impact is considered very slight.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has unveiled a spacecraft that will act as Earth's 'planetary defence' against asteroids. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is a test mission that will be launched by the US space agency on November 24 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

NASA has unveiled a spacecraft that will act as Earth's 'planetary defence' against asteroids. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is a test mission that will be launched by the US space agency on November 24 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. According to Lindley Johnson, NASA's Planetary Defence Officer, ''Although there isn't a currently known asteroid that's on an impact course with the Earth, we do know that there is a large population of near-Earth asteroids out there.'' Also read | 'Dragon' black holes that defy norms of physics can mess with your future "The key to planetary defence is finding them well before they are an impact threat," Johnson said. "We don't want to be in a situation where an asteroid is headed towards Earth and then have to test this capability." The spacecraft weighs 1,210 pounds and will change the course of asteroids at a speed of 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kph). Also read | In a first, NASA's Mars Curiosity rover detects organic molecules on the surface of Red Planet DART will target a double asteroid Didymos and its moon Dimorphos that are approximately 6.8 million miles away from the Earth. ''We are targeting to be as nearly head-on as possible to cause the biggest deflection,'' said Nancy Chabot of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, who built the DART spacecraft. The amount of deflection will depend to a certain extent on the composition of Dimorphos and scientists are not entirely certain how porous the asteroid is. The mission will enhance modelling and predictive capabilities to help scientists better prepare for an actual asteroid threat should one ever be discovered. More than 27,000 near-Earth asteroids have been catalogued by NASA. An asteroid discovered in 1999 known as Bennu that is 1,650 feet wide will pass within half the distance of the Earth to the Moon in the year 2135 but the probability of an impact is considered very slight. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's 'planetary defence': NASA unveils spacecraft that targets asteroids

An asteroid about the size of a refrigerator had moved past Earth last week. The astronomers seem to have completely missed its until hours after it was gone. &nbsp;

From a cosmic perspective, it was a close call. According to the space rock's trajectory, it was the third-closest asteroid to approach the planet without actually hitting it, reported CNET. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-astronauts-get-to-relish-space-grown-chillies-on-iss-426304" hreflang="en">In a first, astronauts get to relish space-grown chillies on ISS</a>

On October 24, it was within 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) from Earth, even closer than some satellites. &nbsp;

Unaware of the object, scientists dubbed it as Asteroid 2021 UA1 as it approached Earth's daytime side from the direction of the Sun. So, the comparatively small asteroid went undetected until about four hours after passing by at its closest point, according to CNET. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-active-october-sun-emits-a-powerful-x-class-solar-flare-426364" hreflang="en">Watch: Active October Sun emits a powerful X-class solar flare</a>

As UA1 had a diameter of just 6.6 feet (2 meters), it was too small to pose a threat. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If it had struck Earth, most of its body would have burnt away while entering our atmosphere before it could have hit the ground, added the report. &nbsp;

According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, asteroids and comets that orbit within our cosmic neighbourhood are known as near-Earth objects. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An asteroid about the size of a refrigerator had moved past Earth last week. The astronomers seem to have completely missed its until hours after it was gone. From a cosmic perspective, it was a close call.

An asteroid about the size of a refrigerator had moved past Earth last week. The astronomers seem to have completely missed its until hours after it was gone. From a cosmic perspective, it was a close call. According to the space rock's trajectory, it was the third-closest asteroid to approach the planet without actually hitting it, reported CNET. Also Read: In a first, astronauts get to relish space-grown chillies on ISS On October 24, it was within 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) from Earth, even closer than some satellites. Unaware of the object, scientists dubbed it as Asteroid 2021 UA1 as it approached Earth's daytime side from the direction of the Sun. So, the comparatively small asteroid went undetected until about four hours after passing by at its closest point, according to CNET. Also Read: Watch: Active October Sun emits a powerful X-class solar flare As UA1 had a diameter of just 6.6 feet (2 meters), it was too small to pose a threat. If it had struck Earth, most of its body would have burnt away while entering our atmosphere before it could have hit the ground, added the report. According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, asteroids and comets that orbit within our cosmic neighbourhood are known as near-Earth objects. (With inputs from agencies)

Did a refrigerator-sized asteroid slip past Earth undetected?

Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail. As the comet approached Jupiter, it broke apart and created several bright flashes that were observed by telescopes on Earth and in space.

A similar event has grabbed headlines now. This time the object that hit Jupiter may not be as spectacular as a comet but has generated interest in scientific community nonetheless.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-deflecting-nasa-spacecraft-begins-final-preparations-422759">Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations</a>

On October 15, a flash in Jupiter's atmosphere attracted attention of skywatchers in Japan. A Twitter user who photographed the event told news websites that the flash appeared to last long.

The flash was also observed by team of astronomers at Japan's Kyoto University. A space rock had collided with the gas giant.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-plans-to-extract-oxygen-from-moons-surface-report-422444">China plans to extract oxygen from Moon's surface: Report</a>

According to Sky &amp; Telescope, the space rock hit Jupiter's northern hemisphere.

Space rocks, asteroids and even comets are attracted to Jupiter due to the planet's enormous gravity. The biggest planet in our solar system has a monstrous pull on objects venturing too close to it. The planet is jokingly called a 'vacuum cleaner' of the solar system but in all seriousness, Jupiter may have been the reason we are alive today because of it eating up a rogue asteroid heading our way in all these years.

Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail.

Some readers may remember the time when a legit comet collided with planet Jupiter. The exceptional event that took place in the year 1992 was huge news worldwide as it was first such event taking place inside solar system when human technology was developed enough to observe it in detail. As the comet approached Jupiter, it broke apart and created several bright flashes that were observed by telescopes on Earth and in space. A similar event has grabbed headlines now. This time the object that hit Jupiter may not be as spectacular as a comet but has generated interest in scientific community nonetheless. Also Read | Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations On October 15, a flash in Jupiter's atmosphere attracted attention of skywatchers in Japan. A Twitter user who photographed the event told news websites that the flash appeared to last long. The flash was also observed by team of astronomers at Japan's Kyoto University. A space rock had collided with the gas giant. Also Read | China plans to extract oxygen from Moon's surface: Report According to Sky & Telescope, the space rock hit Jupiter's northern hemisphere. Space rocks, asteroids and even comets are attracted to Jupiter due to the planet's enormous gravity. The biggest planet in our solar system has a monstrous pull on objects venturing too close to it. The planet is jokingly called a 'vacuum cleaner' of the solar system but in all seriousness, Jupiter may have been the reason we are alive today because of it eating up a rogue asteroid heading our way in all these years.

Jupiter collides with a space rock, collision causes flash in its atmosphere

A new study has found that asteroids that pelted the Earth could have significantly altered the chemical composition of the planet.

The space rocks, that treated the Earth as a punching bag approximately 4 billion years ago, could have sucked oxygen from the planet's atmosphere as per the study published in Nature Geoscience.

According to planetary geologist Simone Marchi, ''Current bombardment models underestimate the number of late Archean spherule layers.''

''This suggests the impactor flux at that time was up to 10 times higher than previously thought.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-deflecting-nasa-spacecraft-begins-final-preparations-422759" hreflang="en">Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations</a>

When large asteroids or comets struck&nbsp;Earth during the Early Age,&nbsp;the energy released melted and vaporised rocky materials in the planet's crust.&nbsp;

The small droplets of molten rock in the impact plume would condense, solidify and fall back to Earth, creating round, globally distributed sand-size particles.&nbsp;

These glassy particles, known as impact spherules, populated multiple thin, discrete layers in the Earth's crust, ranging in age from about 2.4 to 3.5 billion years old. These&nbsp;layers act as&nbsp;markers of ancient collisions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-plans-to-extract-oxygen-from-moons-surface-report-422444" hreflang="en">China plans to extract oxygen from Moon's surface: Report</a>

Dr. Nadja Drabon, a professor at Harvard University and a co-author of the paper said,&nbsp;''In recent years, a number of new spherule layers have been identified in drill cores and outcrops, increasing the total number of known impact events during the early Earth.''

Earth’s atmosphere has an abundance of oxygen&nbsp;due to a balance of production and removal processes.&nbsp;

These new findings correspond to the geological record, which shows that oxygen levels in the atmosphere varied but stayed relatively low in the early Archean eon.&nbsp;

Impacts by bodies larger than six miles (10 km) in diametre may have contributed to its scarcity, as limited oxygen present in the atmosphere of early Earth would have been chemically consumed by impact vapors, further reducing its abundance in the atmosphere.

A new study has found that asteroids that pelted the Earth could have significantly altered the chemical composition of the planet. The space rocks, that treated the Earth as a punching bag approximately 4 billion years ago, could have sucked oxygen from the planet's atmosphere as per the study published in Nature Geoscience.

A new study has found that asteroids that pelted the Earth could have significantly altered the chemical composition of the planet. The space rocks, that treated the Earth as a punching bag approximately 4 billion years ago, could have sucked oxygen from the planet's atmosphere as per the study published in Nature Geoscience. According to planetary geologist Simone Marchi, ''Current bombardment models underestimate the number of late Archean spherule layers.'' ''This suggests the impactor flux at that time was up to 10 times higher than previously thought.'' Also read | Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations When large asteroids or comets struck Earth during the Early Age, the energy released melted and vaporised rocky materials in the planet's crust. The small droplets of molten rock in the impact plume would condense, solidify and fall back to Earth, creating round, globally distributed sand-size particles. These glassy particles, known as impact spherules, populated multiple thin, discrete layers in the Earth's crust, ranging in age from about 2.4 to 3.5 billion years old. These layers act as markers of ancient collisions. Also read | China plans to extract oxygen from Moon's surface: Report Dr. Nadja Drabon, a professor at Harvard University and a co-author of the paper said, ''In recent years, a number of new spherule layers have been identified in drill cores and outcrops, increasing the total number of known impact events during the early Earth.'' Earth’s atmosphere has an abundance of oxygen due to a balance of production and removal processes. These new findings correspond to the geological record, which shows that oxygen levels in the atmosphere varied but stayed relatively low in the early Archean eon. Impacts by bodies larger than six miles (10 km) in diametre may have contributed to its scarcity, as limited oxygen present in the atmosphere of early Earth would have been chemically consumed by impact vapors, further reducing its abundance in the atmosphere.

Oxygen sucking asteroids could have permanently altered Earth's atmosphere

Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs. Such a rogue asteroid will very much be capable of ending human civilisation as we know it. Planetary defence hence is an important aspect of our space studies.

Humankind is taking first steps in this direction. NASA's asteroid deflecting spacecraft has begun final preparations before its lift-off. The spacecraft will lift-off in November this year. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will take it in space.

The spacecraft is now at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was transported there on October 2.

"The spacecraft will go through a series of final tests and checks, as well as fueling, in the next few weeks as the team prepares for DART’s scheduled launch," NASA said.

DART is an acronym for Double Asteroid Redirection Test.

"DART will be the world’s first mission to test planetary defense techniques, demonstrating one mitigation method of asteroid deflection, called kinetic impact. DART will impact the small asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which orbits a larger companion, Didymos, in a binary asteroid system to change its orbital period. Although neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, the collision with Dimorphos enables researchers to demonstrate the deflection technique along with several new technologies, and collect important data to enhance our modeling and predictive capabilities for asteroid deflection. Those enhancements will help us better prepare should an asteroid ever be discovered as a threat to Earth," NASA said on its website 
&nbsp;

Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs.

Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs. Such a rogue asteroid will very much be capable of ending human civilisation as we know it. Planetary defence hence is an important aspect of our space studies. Humankind is taking first steps in this direction. NASA's asteroid deflecting spacecraft has begun final preparations before its lift-off. The spacecraft will lift-off in November this year. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will take it in space. The spacecraft is now at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was transported there on October 2. "The spacecraft will go through a series of final tests and checks, as well as fueling, in the next few weeks as the team prepares for DART’s scheduled launch," NASA said. DART is an acronym for Double Asteroid Redirection Test. "DART will be the world’s first mission to test planetary defense techniques, demonstrating one mitigation method of asteroid deflection, called kinetic impact. DART will impact the small asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which orbits a larger companion, Didymos, in a binary asteroid system to change its orbital period. Although neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, the collision with Dimorphos enables researchers to demonstrate the deflection technique along with several new technologies, and collect important data to enhance our modeling and predictive capabilities for asteroid deflection. Those enhancements will help us better prepare should an asteroid ever be discovered as a threat to Earth," NASA said on its website

Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations

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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-nasa-is-launching-a-robotic-archaeologist-named-lucy-421079">Why NASA is launching a robotic archaeologist named Lucy</a>

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

Lucy, NASA's first mission to the Trojan asteroids, is all set to explore the solar system and discover its secrets.

Astronomers believe that these primitive bodies are remnants of the material that formed the outer planets.

Trojan asteroids can be divided into two groups. The first ahead of Jupiter and the other behind it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-exoplanet-to-survive-death-of-its-star-provides-hint-of-solar-systems-future-420589" hreflang="en">First exoplanet to survive death of its star provides hint of solar system's future</a>

In a gravitational balance act, they get their stability from the sun and Jupiter.

The name of the mission was derived from a human ancestor's fossils. The skeleton provides rare insight into the evolution of human beings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-of-two-identical-galaxies-solved-420507" hreflang="en">Mystery of two 'identical galaxies' solved</a>

Lucy will cover eight asteroids in a span of 12 years. Four out of these asteroids are a part of 'two-for-the-price-of-one' binary systems.

NASA will launch a spacecraft impactor Dart that will visit enticing space rocks closer to home.

The test, that could save Earth from an incoming asteroid, will end with Dart ramming the main asteroid's moonlet to change its orbit.

Lucy, NASA's first mission to the Trojan asteroids, is all set to explore the solar system and discover its secrets. Astronomers believe that these primitive bodies are remnants of the material that formed the outer planets.

Lucy, NASA's first mission to the Trojan asteroids, is all set to explore the solar system and discover its secrets. Astronomers believe that these primitive bodies are remnants of the material that formed the outer planets. Trojan asteroids can be divided into two groups. The first ahead of Jupiter and the other behind it. Also read | First exoplanet to survive death of its star provides hint of solar system's future In a gravitational balance act, they get their stability from the sun and Jupiter. The name of the mission was derived from a human ancestor's fossils. The skeleton provides rare insight into the evolution of human beings. Also read | Mystery of two 'identical galaxies' solved Lucy will cover eight asteroids in a span of 12 years. Four out of these asteroids are a part of 'two-for-the-price-of-one' binary systems. NASA will launch a spacecraft impactor Dart that will visit enticing space rocks closer to home. The test, that could save Earth from an incoming asteroid, will end with Dart ramming the main asteroid's moonlet to change its orbit.

NASA's Lucy mission to begin voyage to Trojan asteroids

Asteroids, like deadlines, may not make a whooshing sound as they go by (Or they do for all we know!) but its nice to see them do a flyby. They are good to observe from a distance. As long as they flying by, no one should have any problem.&nbsp;

It's when one of them decides to crash onto Earth is when skyfall (quite literally) occurs. The Earth-shaking (again, literally), groundbreaking (get the drift) catastrophe has potential to either destroy life on Earth or drastically alter make-up of it. Dinosaurs know it all too well.&nbsp;

Asteroids do not have to be very large to create major mayhem on our blue planet. Due to their high speeds, even a relatively smaller one can pack a big punch due to its huge momentum.

In a few weeks, 8 asteroids bigger than the pyramids of Giza are going to fly past Earth. Just for the record, the Giza pyramids weigh millions of tonnes and these asteroids are bigger than these oversized luxury coffins of ancient Egyptian kings and queens.

Here are the names of the asteroids that will whoosh by Earth in coming weeks. Dates have also been mentioned

October 15 - 2021 SM3

This asteroid has been classified as Near-Earth Object (NEO). It will pass at a distance of 4.8 million kilometres

October 20 - 1996 VB3:&nbsp;

This one is more massive than the previous one. And it will also come closer to Earth than the last one. This asteroid will pass at a distance of 3.2 million kilometres.

October 25 - 2017 SJ20:&nbsp;

This one is relatively smaller. It will pass by Earth at a distance of 7.1 million kilometres

November 2 - 2017 TS3:

This one is a big gun with a size ranging from 98 metres to 220 metres. It will clear the Earth at a distance of 5.3 million kilometres.

November 13 - 2004 UE:&nbsp;

This one is the biggest of them all. And perhaps it's a good thing that it will keep a distance of 4.2 million kilometres between itself and Earth when it will fly by

November 20 - 2016 JG12:

This one is about 190 metres in diameter. It will come at a distance of 5.5 kilometres from Earth

November 21 - 1982 HR:&nbsp;

This asteroid is also called 3361 Orpheus. It will clear the Earth by a distance of 5.7 million kilometres.

November 29 - 1994 WR12

This asteroid will fly by Earth at a distance of 6.1 million kilometres

Asteroids, like deadlines, may not make a whooshing sound as they go by (Or they do for all we know!) but its nice to see them do a flyby. They are good to observe from a distance.

Asteroids, like deadlines, may not make a whooshing sound as they go by (Or they do for all we know!) but its nice to see them do a flyby. They are good to observe from a distance. As long as they flying by, no one should have any problem. It's when one of them decides to crash onto Earth is when skyfall (quite literally) occurs. The Earth-shaking (again, literally), groundbreaking (get the drift) catastrophe has potential to either destroy life on Earth or drastically alter make-up of it. Dinosaurs know it all too well. Asteroids do not have to be very large to create major mayhem on our blue planet. Due to their high speeds, even a relatively smaller one can pack a big punch due to its huge momentum. In a few weeks, 8 asteroids bigger than the pyramids of Giza are going to fly past Earth. Just for the record, the Giza pyramids weigh millions of tonnes and these asteroids are bigger than these oversized luxury coffins of ancient Egyptian kings and queens. Here are the names of the asteroids that will whoosh by Earth in coming weeks. Dates have also been mentioned October 15 - 2021 SM3 This asteroid has been classified as Near-Earth Object (NEO). It will pass at a distance of 4.8 million kilometres October 20 - 1996 VB3: This one is more massive than the previous one. And it will also come closer to Earth than the last one. This asteroid will pass at a distance of 3.2 million kilometres. October 25 - 2017 SJ20: This one is relatively smaller. It will pass by Earth at a distance of 7.1 million kilometres November 2 - 2017 TS3: This one is a big gun with a size ranging from 98 metres to 220 metres. It will clear the Earth at a distance of 5.3 million kilometres. November 13 - 2004 UE: This one is the biggest of them all. And perhaps it's a good thing that it will keep a distance of 4.2 million kilometres between itself and Earth when it will fly by November 20 - 2016 JG12: This one is about 190 metres in diameter. It will come at a distance of 5.5 kilometres from Earth November 21 - 1982 HR: This asteroid is also called 3361 Orpheus. It will clear the Earth by a distance of 5.7 million kilometres. November 29 - 1994 WR12 This asteroid will fly by Earth at a distance of 6.1 million kilometres

Eight massive asteroids, bigger than pyramids, to approach Earth in October-November

A rogue asteroid hitting Earth to end human civilisation as we know it is very much possible. Last time such an asteroid hit Earth, it eliminated more than half of life on the planet and ended the reign of dinosaurs. To avoid such a fate, space agencies around the worl keep a close watch at out planetary surroundings.

If an asteroid slated to hit Earth is detected, one of the strategies is to fire nuclear warheads to disintegrate it before it makes contact with Earth.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winds-on-jupiter-are-speeding-up-and-no-one-knows-why-416727">Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why</a>

However, this approach needs careful calculations. Smallest of the mistakes would mean that we will just be splitting one asteroid into two or more parts. This means that instead of just one impact, we would get several at different locations of Earth. Hence this approach draws criticism.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

However, researchers have now concluded in a study that such an approach is safe. For this, they created computer models that analysed effect of 1-megaton-yield nuclear bomb on a 100-meter wide asteroid.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-long-rainy-spell-induced-by-volcanism-helped-dinosaurs-become-huge-418394">A long rainy spell induced by volcanism helped dinosaurs become huge</a>

Five different asteroid orbits were analysed and the researchers concluded that if we could hit the asteroid two months before impact, it is possible to reduce the debris to just 0.1 per cent of the total mass of the asteroid. If we could hit it six months before impact, researchers say that the debris can be reduced to 1 per cent of the total mass.

The study has been published in journal Acta Astronautica.

A rogue asteroid hitting Earth to end human civilisation as we know it is very much possible. Last time such an asteroid hit Earth, it eliminated more than half of life on the planet and ended the reign of dinosaurs.

A rogue asteroid hitting Earth to end human civilisation as we know it is very much possible. Last time such an asteroid hit Earth, it eliminated more than half of life on the planet and ended the reign of dinosaurs. To avoid such a fate, space agencies around the worl keep a close watch at out planetary surroundings. If an asteroid slated to hit Earth is detected, one of the strategies is to fire nuclear warheads to disintegrate it before it makes contact with Earth. Also Read | Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why However, this approach needs careful calculations. Smallest of the mistakes would mean that we will just be splitting one asteroid into two or more parts. This means that instead of just one impact, we would get several at different locations of Earth. Hence this approach draws criticism. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' However, researchers have now concluded in a study that such an approach is safe. For this, they created computer models that analysed effect of 1-megaton-yield nuclear bomb on a 100-meter wide asteroid. Also Read | A long rainy spell induced by volcanism helped dinosaurs become huge Five different asteroid orbits were analysed and the researchers concluded that if we could hit the asteroid two months before impact, it is possible to reduce the debris to just 0.1 per cent of the total mass of the asteroid. If we could hit it six months before impact, researchers say that the debris can be reduced to 1 per cent of the total mass. The study has been published in journal Acta Astronautica.

Nuking a rogue asteroid is a safe strategy for Earth after all, says study

What if an asteroid is headed on a collision course? What would we do to escape the fate of dinosaurs? Well, we have nuclear weapons that can possibly be fired at the asteroid. But what if the broken pieces are still large enough to create major mayhem on Earth?

Questions like these are important for our planetary defence. And we need a plan in place to better tackle such a situation when it occurs.

Perhaps as a step in that direction, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to intentionally crash a spacecraft into a moon of an asteroid to see what happens to its orbit.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winds-on-jupiter-are-speeding-up-and-no-one-knows-why-416727">Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why</a>

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART) is set to lift-off this November. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will be used for this.

The mission is targetting Dimorphos, a small moon that revolves around the asteroid Didymos.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

Didymos is a Near Earth Object (NEO). These are space objects whose orbits bring them within 30 million miles radius around Earth.

Didymos (the asteroid) and Dimorphos (the moon) will come within a distance of 6,835,083 miles (11 million kilometers).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-music-check-out-nasa-post-on-heavenly-sounds-from-galaxys-centre-418128">'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre</a>

The NASA spacecraft will deliberately crash into Dimorphos and see what happens to its motion in space. It is estimated that motion of the moon will change by 1 per cent. Though this doesn't sound much, it would affect the period of revolution by about seven minutes.

A DART program executive at NASA headquarters has been quoted by CNN as saying that the mission was the first step to test methods for hazardous asteroid deflection.

What if an asteroid is headed on a collision course? What would we do to escape the fate of dinosaurs? Well, we have nuclear weapons that can possibly be fired at the asteroid.

What if an asteroid is headed on a collision course? What would we do to escape the fate of dinosaurs? Well, we have nuclear weapons that can possibly be fired at the asteroid. But what if the broken pieces are still large enough to create major mayhem on Earth? Questions like these are important for our planetary defence. And we need a plan in place to better tackle such a situation when it occurs. Perhaps as a step in that direction, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to intentionally crash a spacecraft into a moon of an asteroid to see what happens to its orbit. Also Read | Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART) is set to lift-off this November. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will be used for this. The mission is targetting Dimorphos, a small moon that revolves around the asteroid Didymos. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' Didymos is a Near Earth Object (NEO). These are space objects whose orbits bring them within 30 million miles radius around Earth. Didymos (the asteroid) and Dimorphos (the moon) will come within a distance of 6,835,083 miles (11 million kilometers). Also Read | 'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre The NASA spacecraft will deliberately crash into Dimorphos and see what happens to its motion in space. It is estimated that motion of the moon will change by 1 per cent. Though this doesn't sound much, it would affect the period of revolution by about seven minutes. A DART program executive at NASA headquarters has been quoted by CNN as saying that the mission was the first step to test methods for hazardous asteroid deflection.

NASA to crash spacecraft into asteroid's moon to save Earth

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space

A comet comes from outer space. They are icy. As they approach the Sun, the heat begins to melt the ice and the 'outgassing' as it is called, forms the 'tail' of the comet that we see when it passes by Earth.

Asteroids on the other hand are generally located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These space rocks do not have a spectacular look like comets but the fate of dinosaurs makes us keep a close watch on them. Asteroids are very much part of the solar system and have orbits around the Sun that are somewhat similar to those of the planets.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

A newly discovered space rock seems to be a hybrid of both classes. It has been named (248370) 2005 QN173

There is nothing special about its location. It hangs out in the asteroid belt like a million others and peacefully revolves around the Sun.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-music-check-out-nasa-post-on-heavenly-sounds-from-galaxys-centre-418128">'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre</a>

But in July this year, the asteroid was seen to show signs of outgassing just like a comet. The outgassing was seen when the asteroid was relatively closer to the Sun in his orbit. So it has characteristics of an asteroid as well as a comet

Such space objects are called active asteroids or main-belt comets. These are very rare. Only 7 have been confirmed to be main-belt comet so far.

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space A comet comes from outer space.

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space A comet comes from outer space. They are icy. As they approach the Sun, the heat begins to melt the ice and the 'outgassing' as it is called, forms the 'tail' of the comet that we see when it passes by Earth. Asteroids on the other hand are generally located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These space rocks do not have a spectacular look like comets but the fate of dinosaurs makes us keep a close watch on them. Asteroids are very much part of the solar system and have orbits around the Sun that are somewhat similar to those of the planets. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' A newly discovered space rock seems to be a hybrid of both classes. It has been named (248370) 2005 QN173 There is nothing special about its location. It hangs out in the asteroid belt like a million others and peacefully revolves around the Sun. Also Read | 'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre But in July this year, the asteroid was seen to show signs of outgassing just like a comet. The outgassing was seen when the asteroid was relatively closer to the Sun in his orbit. So it has characteristics of an asteroid as well as a comet Such space objects are called active asteroids or main-belt comets. These are very rare. Only 7 have been confirmed to be main-belt comet so far.

An asteroid or comet? This space rock is a combination of both

The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was formed amid formation of our solar system. Whatever material was left after formation of the Sun and the planets was scattered in form of asteroids. Many of them have an orbit that makes them zoom past Earth in close calls. And when one struck our planets millions of years ago it wiped dinosaurs off the face of the planet.

It is hence wise for us to keep a watch on these space rocks. Fortunately there are enough eyes world over in form of space agencies to keep a close watch.

Now, astronomers have suggested that an asteroid that has its own moons, may itself have given birth to its satellites. And the asteroid itself may have given birth to these moons according to two studies.

The name of this asteroid is Kleopatra and the two moons are called AlexHelios and CleoSelene. The moons have been named after children of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra.

The asteroid Kleopatra is also called "dog bone asteroid" because of its characteristic shape. The asteroid has two lobes connected by a long 'neck'.

Scientific community has known about the asteroid for decades but researchers recently obtained clearer images of Kleopatra using European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.&nbsp;

They were thus able to determine dimensions of the asteroid. This allowed them to calculate volume.

Another team from Charles University in Chekia was working to ascertain orbits of moons of the asteroid. Orbits are constrained by gravitational fields a body moves through and this then correlates to mass in the system

Using newer methos and mathematical modelling the correct mass of Kleopatra was determined.

When we know mass and volume, we can determine density. The density of Kleopatra was found to be very low. This combined with the knowledge that the asteroid moves around itself at relatively fast speed it is logical to conclude that material must be able escaping its surface only to coalesce and form the moons

Both the studies have been published in journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was formed amid formation of our solar system. Whatever material was left after formation of the Sun and the planets was scattered in form of asteroids.

The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was formed amid formation of our solar system. Whatever material was left after formation of the Sun and the planets was scattered in form of asteroids. Many of them have an orbit that makes them zoom past Earth in close calls. And when one struck our planets millions of years ago it wiped dinosaurs off the face of the planet. It is hence wise for us to keep a watch on these space rocks. Fortunately there are enough eyes world over in form of space agencies to keep a close watch. Now, astronomers have suggested that an asteroid that has its own moons, may itself have given birth to its satellites. And the asteroid itself may have given birth to these moons according to two studies. The name of this asteroid is Kleopatra and the two moons are called AlexHelios and CleoSelene. The moons have been named after children of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. The asteroid Kleopatra is also called "dog bone asteroid" because of its characteristic shape. The asteroid has two lobes connected by a long 'neck'. Scientific community has known about the asteroid for decades but researchers recently obtained clearer images of Kleopatra using European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. They were thus able to determine dimensions of the asteroid. This allowed them to calculate volume. Another team from Charles University in Chekia was working to ascertain orbits of moons of the asteroid. Orbits are constrained by gravitational fields a body moves through and this then correlates to mass in the system Using newer methos and mathematical modelling the correct mass of Kleopatra was determined. When we know mass and volume, we can determine density. The density of Kleopatra was found to be very low. This combined with the knowledge that the asteroid moves around itself at relatively fast speed it is logical to conclude that material must be able escaping its surface only to coalesce and form the moons Both the studies have been published in journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

This asteroid may have formed its own moons

As per the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's asteroid database browser, a large asteroid nearly twice the size of the Empire State Building in New York will fly past Earth on Thursday.&nbsp;

Known as 2010 RJ53, the asteroid is approximately 774 meters in diameter will zoom past the planet today.

The asteroid will pass by approximately 366,000 kilometres away from the planet, which means that it will be closer to earth than the moon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guam-boosts-reproductive-rights-by-clearing-path-for-tele-abortion-411834">Also read |&nbsp;Guam boosts reproductive rights by clearing path for 'tele-abortion'</a>

However, it is very unlikely that 2010 RJ53 will impact the Earth.&nbsp;

NASA has already declared the planet free of any risk of an asteroid impact for the next century.

Researchers and astronomers around the world, including NASA, monitor nearby asteroids and calculate their trajectory.

This is to see if they pose any threat.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As per the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's asteroid database browser, a large asteroid nearly twice the size of the Empire State Building in New York will fly past Earth on Thursday.

As per the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's asteroid database browser, a large asteroid nearly twice the size of the Empire State Building in New York will fly past Earth on Thursday. Known as 2010 RJ53, the asteroid is approximately 774 meters in diameter will zoom past the planet today. The asteroid will pass by approximately 366,000 kilometres away from the planet, which means that it will be closer to earth than the moon. Also read | Guam boosts reproductive rights by clearing path for 'tele-abortion' However, it is very unlikely that 2010 RJ53 will impact the Earth. NASA has already declared the planet free of any risk of an asteroid impact for the next century. Researchers and astronomers around the world, including NASA, monitor nearby asteroids and calculate their trajectory. This is to see if they pose any threat.

Asteroid, twice the size of Empire State building, rushing towards earth

The Astronomers at the Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS) announced the discovery of the fastest orbiting asteroid ever spotted in the solar system.

Dubbed as “2021 PH27”, the space rock, which is 1 kilometre in diameter, completes its orbit in just 113 Earth days.

That’s the shortest orbital period of any known solar system object except the Mercury&nbsp;planet, which takes only 88 days to orbit around the sun, the scientists noted.

“Though telescope time for astronomers is very precious, the international nature and love of the unknown make astronomers very willing to override their own science and observations to follow up new, interesting discoveries like this,” research leader Scott Sheppard, an astronomer at the CIS, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The work was reported to the Minor Planet Centre, an official body for observing and reporting on minor planets under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union.

According to the scientists, the space rock also gets extremely close to the sun, reaching a proximity of about 20 million kilometres. In comparison, Mercury gets as close as 46 million kilometres (apporx).

Such a close proximity means that asteroid’s surface at times burns up to 500 degrees Celsius.

However, the scientists cautioned that the orbit is not stable. They said the asteroid will likely collide with the sun, Mercury or Venus a few million years from now, if it’s not altered from its current path by a gravitational interaction first.

2021 PH27 was first detected on August 13 by the astronomers using the Dark Energy Camera (DEC), a powerful multipurpose instrument which uses the images taken in the near-ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared&nbsp;to measure the expansion of the universe.

It is mounted on the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile.&nbsp;

The team was able to pin down the asteroid’s orbit over the next few days due to the observations by the DEC and the Magellan Telescopes at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.

The Astronomers at the Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS) announced the discovery of the fastest orbiting asteroid ever spotted in the solar system. Dubbed as “2021 PH27”, the space rock, which is 1 kilometre in diameter, completes its orbit in just 113 Earth days.

The Astronomers at the Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS) announced the discovery of the fastest orbiting asteroid ever spotted in the solar system. Dubbed as “2021 PH27”, the space rock, which is 1 kilometre in diameter, completes its orbit in just 113 Earth days. That’s the shortest orbital period of any known solar system object except the Mercury planet, which takes only 88 days to orbit around the sun, the scientists noted. “Though telescope time for astronomers is very precious, the international nature and love of the unknown make astronomers very willing to override their own science and observations to follow up new, interesting discoveries like this,” research leader Scott Sheppard, an astronomer at the CIS, said in a statement. The work was reported to the Minor Planet Centre, an official body for observing and reporting on minor planets under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union. According to the scientists, the space rock also gets extremely close to the sun, reaching a proximity of about 20 million kilometres. In comparison, Mercury gets as close as 46 million kilometres (apporx). Such a close proximity means that asteroid’s surface at times burns up to 500 degrees Celsius. However, the scientists cautioned that the orbit is not stable. They said the asteroid will likely collide with the sun, Mercury or Venus a few million years from now, if it’s not altered from its current path by a gravitational interaction first. 2021 PH27 was first detected on August 13 by the astronomers using the Dark Energy Camera (DEC), a powerful multipurpose instrument which uses the images taken in the near-ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared to measure the expansion of the universe. It is mounted on the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. The team was able to pin down the asteroid’s orbit over the next few days due to the observations by the DEC and the Magellan Telescopes at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.

US astronomers discover “fastest orbiting asteroid” in solar system

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do.

To avoid this not-so-neat fate, NASA keeps an eye on asteroids that are zooming past or hurtling towards the Earth.

And a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is going to come in our neighbourhood in space.&nbsp;

Name's 2016 AJ193, cruising speed is 94,208 km per hour. The asteroid is just 1.4 kilometre wide but due to its huge speed, it packs a serious punch.

But we need not prepare for end of mankind just yet. The asteroid is going to drive by at a distance nine times that between Earth and the Moon. This will happen on August 21

But the huge distance doesn't make it too far to observe. Astronomers will be able to look at the asteroid through telescopes.

Much better than looking at an asteroid slated to hit Earth right?

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do.

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do. To avoid this not-so-neat fate, NASA keeps an eye on asteroids that are zooming past or hurtling towards the Earth. And a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is going to come in our neighbourhood in space. Name's 2016 AJ193, cruising speed is 94,208 km per hour. The asteroid is just 1.4 kilometre wide but due to its huge speed, it packs a serious punch. But we need not prepare for end of mankind just yet. The asteroid is going to drive by at a distance nine times that between Earth and the Moon. This will happen on August 21 But the huge distance doesn't make it too far to observe. Astronomers will be able to look at the asteroid through telescopes. Much better than looking at an asteroid slated to hit Earth right?

Asteroid termed 'potentially hazardous' by NASA is coming near Earth

The residents of Izmir were absolutely taken aback by an explosion in the sky that occurred in Turkey.

It also became brilliant green for a few seconds, according to accounts.

Turkish social media users posted footage of what they described as a "meteor" heading towards the ground, which caused an explosion above and temporarily changed the sky's colour.&nbsp;

People began to speculate in the comments when a Twitter user by the name of Halil Ibrahim Cakan posted a video of this magical scene.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Uzaylılar size sesleniyorum. Siz de gelin tam olsun...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/izmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#izmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/GrSiNUwxjc">pic.twitter.com/GrSiNUwxjc</a>
— Halil İbrahim Çakan (@h_ibrahimcakan) <a href="https://twitter.com/h_ibrahimcakan/status/1421357287134973953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A ball of fire is seen falling from the sky in the footage.

It erupts into a dazzling brilliance as it hides behind the clouds for a brief period, turning the entire sky green.&nbsp;

A user named Ehsan Elahi wrote, 'A green #meteor was seen over #Izmir #Turkey. This is not a meteor, just a tiny/demo missile/bomb shot from a satellite. Notice the fire as meteor enters the earth's atmosphere.'

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A green <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteor</a> was seen over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Izmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Izmir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Turkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Turkey</a>. This is not a meteor, just a tiny/demo missile/bomb shot from satellite 🛰️. Notice the fire 🔥 as meteor enters Earth's atmosphere, you will see same effects in next videos in this thread. 
1/5 👇 <a href="https://t.co/m4S1vdQdAw">pic.twitter.com/m4S1vdQdAw</a>
— Ehsan Elahi (@VerySmartEhsan) <a href="https://twitter.com/VerySmartEhsan/status/1421949235239522304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Dr Hasan Ali Dal, a Turkish astronomy professor, did, however, bring the thrill factor down a tad with his assumptions.

He stated that meteors tend to heat up when they approach the earth's atmosphere, according to LADBible.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Meteor fell on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Izmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Izmir</a> city southern <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Turkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Turkey</a> 😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TurkeyNeedsHelp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TurkeyNeedsHelp</a> <a href="https://t.co/C89r8A4iOF">pic.twitter.com/C89r8A4iOF</a>
— A ز a n🥀 (@Aladdin_Hu_Me) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aladdin_Hu_Me/status/1422003098407550982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

The residents of Izmir were absolutely taken aback by an explosion in the sky that occurred in Turkey. It also became brilliant green for a few seconds, according to accounts.

The residents of Izmir were absolutely taken aback by an explosion in the sky that occurred in Turkey. It also became brilliant green for a few seconds, according to accounts. Turkish social media users posted footage of what they described as a "meteor" heading towards the ground, which caused an explosion above and temporarily changed the sky's colour. People began to speculate in the comments when a Twitter user by the name of Halil Ibrahim Cakan posted a video of this magical scene. Uzaylılar size sesleniyorum. Siz de gelin tam olsun...#meteor #izmir pic.twitter.com/GrSiNUwxjc — Halil İbrahim Çakan (@h_ibrahimcakan) July 31, 2021 × A ball of fire is seen falling from the sky in the footage. It erupts into a dazzling brilliance as it hides behind the clouds for a brief period, turning the entire sky green. A user named Ehsan Elahi wrote, 'A green #meteor was seen over #Izmir #Turkey. This is not a meteor, just a tiny/demo missile/bomb shot from a satellite. Notice the fire as meteor enters the earth's atmosphere.' A green #meteor was seen over #Izmir #Turkey. This is not a meteor, just a tiny/demo missile/bomb shot from satellite 🛰️. Notice the fire 🔥 as meteor enters Earth's atmosphere, you will see same effects in next videos in this thread. 1/5 👇 pic.twitter.com/m4S1vdQdAw — Ehsan Elahi (@VerySmartEhsan) August 1, 2021 × Dr Hasan Ali Dal, a Turkish astronomy professor, did, however, bring the thrill factor down a tad with his assumptions. He stated that meteors tend to heat up when they approach the earth's atmosphere, according to LADBible. Meteor fell on #Izmir city southern #Turkey 😱#TurkeyNeedsHelp pic.twitter.com/C89r8A4iOF — A ز a n🥀 (@Aladdin_Hu_Me) August 2, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Turkey sees 'mysterious' meteor explosion that made the sky bright green

A massive asteroid, thrice the size of the Taj Mahal, is set to whizz past the earth on July 24 but would not pose a threat to the planet.

NASA revealed the e size of the asteroid to be 220 meters (in diameter). The space agency further disclosed that the burning piece of space stone, named ‘2008 Go20’ hurtling towards the earth at a speed of 18,000 miles per hour, an average of eight kilometres per second.

Dr Subhendu Pattnaik, the deputy director of the Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Odisha's Bhubaneswar has assured that there is no need to worry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-asteroid-day-2021-how-close-are-we-to-a-dangerous-collision-394885">Also read |&nbsp;World Asteroid Day 2021: How prepared are we for a dangerous collision?</a>

Speaking with ANI, he said, "We should not panic. We can safely say that it will not hit the earth".

"This asteroid has visited Earth at a much closer distance of 19 lakh km and 29 lakh km in 1935 and 1977 respectively. At that time, it flew away and never came towards Earth. This time it is around 45 lakh km, which is about 11 to 12 times the Earth-Moon distance, so there is no danger of hitting Earth," he added.

As per Pattnaik, 2008 GO20 will be closest to Earth on Sunday at 11:21pm Indian Standard Time (IST).&nbsp;

Asteroids are minor planets situated in the inner solar system. Large asteroids are sometimes called “planetoids”.&nbsp;

There are millions of asteroids in our solar system that hail from violent events in our solar system and bodies that never grew large enough to become planets. Most asteroids can be located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

A massive asteroid, thrice the size of the Taj Mahal, is set to whizz past the earth on July 24 but would not pose a threat to the planet. NASA revealed the e size of the asteroid to be 220 meters (in diameter).

A massive asteroid, thrice the size of the Taj Mahal, is set to whizz past the earth on July 24 but would not pose a threat to the planet. NASA revealed the e size of the asteroid to be 220 meters (in diameter). The space agency further disclosed that the burning piece of space stone, named ‘2008 Go20’ hurtling towards the earth at a speed of 18,000 miles per hour, an average of eight kilometres per second. Dr Subhendu Pattnaik, the deputy director of the Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Odisha's Bhubaneswar has assured that there is no need to worry. Also read | World Asteroid Day 2021: How prepared are we for a dangerous collision? Speaking with ANI, he said, "We should not panic. We can safely say that it will not hit the earth". "This asteroid has visited Earth at a much closer distance of 19 lakh km and 29 lakh km in 1935 and 1977 respectively. At that time, it flew away and never came towards Earth. This time it is around 45 lakh km, which is about 11 to 12 times the Earth-Moon distance, so there is no danger of hitting Earth," he added. As per Pattnaik, 2008 GO20 will be closest to Earth on Sunday at 11:21pm Indian Standard Time (IST). Asteroids are minor planets situated in the inner solar system. Large asteroids are sometimes called “planetoids”. There are millions of asteroids in our solar system that hail from violent events in our solar system and bodies that never grew large enough to become planets. Most asteroids can be located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Asteroid 3 times the size of Taj Mahal to whizz past Earth

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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-resolve-mystery-of-why-otters-stay-warm-in-cold-surroundings-397003" hreflang="en">Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings</a>

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

NASA's superlative new project known as Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) aims to demonstrate the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space heading towards the Earth.

The initiative aims to shift an asteroid's orbit through kinetic impact. In a live show of the demonstration, the US space agency plans to test it on moonlet Didymos launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, reports say.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-announces-two-new-missions-to-venus-389268/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The unmanned spacecraft is expected to travel millions of miles into space and crash against the Didymos moonlet. NASA also plans to take pictures of the event by sending a small spacecraft that will separate from DART to take live pictures of the crash.

NASA hopes to capture valuable data when the event occurs in real-time in order to assess how it could look if a real-life scenario takes place in the future. The mission is said to be purely a "defence-driven test" which will help in preventing an impact on the Earth of a hazardous asteroid.

According to NASA, it will be the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space.

The project right now is reportedly in Phase C at Marshall Space Flight Center at NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office.

The space agency said the DART spacecraft will achieve the "kinetic impact" deflection by deliberately crashing itself into the moonlet at a speed of approximately 6.6 km per second with the help of autonomous navigation software.

NASA said the launch window begins later this year from &nbsp;November 2021 and it will launch aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 and is expected to collide against Didymos moonlet in September, 2022.

NASA says the “moonlet” is about 160 meters which is the likely size of an asteroid that could threaten&nbsp;the Earth in the future. The scientists are currently studying its properties minutely before DART crashes into it.

(With inputs from Agencies)

NASA's superlative new project known as Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) aims to demonstrate the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space heading towards the Earth.

NASA's superlative new project known as Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) aims to demonstrate the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space heading towards the Earth. The initiative aims to shift an asteroid's orbit through kinetic impact. In a live show of the demonstration, the US space agency plans to test it on moonlet Didymos launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, reports say. Watch: The unmanned spacecraft is expected to travel millions of miles into space and crash against the Didymos moonlet. NASA also plans to take pictures of the event by sending a small spacecraft that will separate from DART to take live pictures of the crash. NASA hopes to capture valuable data when the event occurs in real-time in order to assess how it could look if a real-life scenario takes place in the future. The mission is said to be purely a "defence-driven test" which will help in preventing an impact on the Earth of a hazardous asteroid. According to NASA, it will be the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space. The project right now is reportedly in Phase C at Marshall Space Flight Center at NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. The space agency said the DART spacecraft will achieve the "kinetic impact" deflection by deliberately crashing itself into the moonlet at a speed of approximately 6.6 km per second with the help of autonomous navigation software. NASA said the launch window begins later this year from November 2021 and it will launch aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 and is expected to collide against Didymos moonlet in September, 2022. NASA says the “moonlet” is about 160 meters which is the likely size of an asteroid that could threaten the Earth in the future. The scientists are currently studying its properties minutely before DART crashes into it. (With inputs from Agencies)

How NASA's DART mission aims to crash an unmanned spacecraft against asteroid in 'defensive test'

June 30 is observed&nbsp;as the annual Asteroid Day, marking the anniversary of most dangerous asteroid-related event to happen on Earth in the planet’s known history - the Tunguska impact over Siberia.

Asteroid Day aims to spread awareness about the dangers posed by cosmic entities to Earth and ways to protect the planet, its inhabitants, as well as to mitigate potential disaster events in the future.

The history of Asteroid Day

Co-founded by late genius Stephen Hawking and a varied pool of personalities like filmmaker Grigorij Richets and Queen’s guitarist Brian May, the declaration was signed by 200 astronauts, scientists, and artists including engineer and part-time TV presenter Bill Nye and the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins.

<img alt="asteroid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce6d74a3-2fad-4f7d-ba5f-028e956e425e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_70.jpg" />

Officially known as the “100X Declaration”, the instrument has received 22,000 signatures from private citizens, all of whom are not necessarily specialists.&nbsp;The declaration calls for improving the discovery rate of asteroids to 100,000 per year, hoping to achieve&nbsp;a 100-fold increase over the next decade.

What are asteroids?

Asteroids are minor planets situated in the inner solar system. Large asteroids are sometimes called “planetoids”.&nbsp;

There are millions of asteroids in our solar system that hail from violent events in our solar system and bodies that never grew large enough to become planets. Most asteroids can be located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

<img alt="asteroid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d848f64-2f66-429b-8294-a401555da09a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_56.jpg" />

Composed mainly of minerals and rocks, asteroids are often confused with comets, which are made of dust and ice. Owing the proximity to our Sun, asteroids lack any comet-like characteristics. To be classified as an asteroid, objects need to have a diameter larger than one metre.&nbsp;

The Tunguska event

On June 30, 1908 an explosion of celestial proportions took place near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River in Yeniseysk Governorate (now known as Krasnoyarsk Krai) in Russia. Due to its historical significance, June 30 is vastly known for the “Tunguska Event”.

In the aftermath of the explosion in the eastern Siberian Taiga, over 80 million trees spread across 2,150 square kilometres (830 square miles) of forest were flattened. According to archival eyewitness records, at least three people may have died in the event, although it's impossible to ascertain the real number.

<img alt="asteroid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fdb0baba-bd78-4d3f-8ee7-fdbabfcd6d0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_45.jpg" />

Even though no impact crater was found, scientists remain confident that the disaster was caused by a stony object measuring upto 100 metres (330 feet), which is believed to have disintegrated at an altitude of 5-10 kilometres instead of directly hitting the Earth's surface.

Dangers posed by asteroids

According to B612 Foundation, which is a non-profit dedicated to planetary science especially on defence mechanisms against other objects in space, it’s certain that at some point in Earth’s life-cycle, it would be hit by an asteroid, but the foundation claims it’s still unsure when such a catastrophe would strike.&nbsp;

In his final book, Stephen Hawking had also referred to an asteroid collision as the biggest threat to planet Earth.&nbsp;

Major countries of the world are ill-prepared to tackle a potential collision. In a US Congress testimony in 2013, it was revealed that NASA would require almost five years of time to launch any mission requiring interception of an asteroid.&nbsp;

(Images: Wikimedia Commons)

June 30 is observed as the annual Asteroid Day, marking the anniversary of most dangerous asteroid-related event to happen on Earth in the planet’s known history - the Tunguska impact over Siberia.

June 30 is observed as the annual Asteroid Day, marking the anniversary of most dangerous asteroid-related event to happen on Earth in the planet’s known history - the Tunguska impact over Siberia. Asteroid Day aims to spread awareness about the dangers posed by cosmic entities to Earth and ways to protect the planet, its inhabitants, as well as to mitigate potential disaster events in the future. The history of Asteroid Day Co-founded by late genius Stephen Hawking and a varied pool of personalities like filmmaker Grigorij Richets and Queen’s guitarist Brian May, the declaration was signed by 200 astronauts, scientists, and artists including engineer and part-time TV presenter Bill Nye and the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. Officially known as the “100X Declaration”, the instrument has received 22,000 signatures from private citizens, all of whom are not necessarily specialists. The declaration calls for improving the discovery rate of asteroids to 100,000 per year, hoping to achieve a 100-fold increase over the next decade. What are asteroids? Asteroids are minor planets situated in the inner solar system. Large asteroids are sometimes called “planetoids”. There are millions of asteroids in our solar system that hail from violent events in our solar system and bodies that never grew large enough to become planets. Most asteroids can be located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Composed mainly of minerals and rocks, asteroids are often confused with comets, which are made of dust and ice. Owing the proximity to our Sun, asteroids lack any comet-like characteristics. To be classified as an asteroid, objects need to have a diameter larger than one metre. The Tunguska event On June 30, 1908 an explosion of celestial proportions took place near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River in Yeniseysk Governorate (now known as Krasnoyarsk Krai) in Russia. Due to its historical significance, June 30 is vastly known for the “Tunguska Event”. In the aftermath of the explosion in the eastern Siberian Taiga, over 80 million trees spread across 2,150 square kilometres (830 square miles) of forest were flattened. According to archival eyewitness records, at least three people may have died in the event, although it's impossible to ascertain the real number. Even though no impact crater was found, scientists remain confident that the disaster was caused by a stony object measuring upto 100 metres (330 feet), which is believed to have disintegrated at an altitude of 5-10 kilometres instead of directly hitting the Earth's surface. Dangers posed by asteroids According to B612 Foundation, which is a non-profit dedicated to planetary science especially on defence mechanisms against other objects in space, it’s certain that at some point in Earth’s life-cycle, it would be hit by an asteroid, but the foundation claims it’s still unsure when such a catastrophe would strike. In his final book, Stephen Hawking had also referred to an asteroid collision as the biggest threat to planet Earth. Major countries of the world are ill-prepared to tackle a potential collision. In a US Congress testimony in 2013, it was revealed that NASA would require almost five years of time to launch any mission requiring interception of an asteroid. (Images: Wikimedia Commons)

World Asteroid Day 2021: How prepared are we for a dangerous collision?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared a stunning image of a&nbsp;4.5-billion-year-old asteroid crossing the Earth.

The image of&nbsp;asteroid Bennu has been taken by the Osiris Rex spacecraft which is&nbsp;on its way back to Earth with a sample of rocks and dust from the ancient cosmic object.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COv5bvCJTNY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COv5bvCJTNY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COv5bvCJTNY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COv5bvCJTNY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by NASA (@nasa)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

The spacecraft found traces of hydrogen and oxygen molecules - part of the recipe for water and thus the potential for life - embedded in the asteroid's rocky surface, said Dante Lauretta, the OSIRIS-REx mission's principal investigator, in 2018.

The trip back to Earth will take about two years. The spacecraft will then eject a capsule containing the asteroid samples, which NASA says will land in a remote area of Utah.

NASA says samples will be distributed to research laboratories worldwide, but 75 per cent&nbsp;of the samples will be preserved at the Johnson Space Center in Houston for future generations to study with technologies not yet created.

The roughly $800 million, minivan-sized OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin, launched in 2016 to grab and return the first US&nbsp;sample of pristine asteroid materials. Japan is the only other country to have accomplished such a feat.

Asteroids are among the leftover debris from the solar system's formation some 4.5 billion years ago. A sample could hold clues to the origins of life on Earth, scientists say.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared a stunning image of a 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid crossing the Earth. The image of asteroid Bennu has been taken by the Osiris Rex spacecraft which is on its way back to Earth with a sample of rocks and dust from the ancient cosmic object.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared a stunning image of a 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid crossing the Earth. The image of asteroid Bennu has been taken by the Osiris Rex spacecraft which is on its way back to Earth with a sample of rocks and dust from the ancient cosmic object. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) The spacecraft found traces of hydrogen and oxygen molecules - part of the recipe for water and thus the potential for life - embedded in the asteroid's rocky surface, said Dante Lauretta, the OSIRIS-REx mission's principal investigator, in 2018. The trip back to Earth will take about two years. The spacecraft will then eject a capsule containing the asteroid samples, which NASA says will land in a remote area of Utah. NASA says samples will be distributed to research laboratories worldwide, but 75 per cent of the samples will be preserved at the Johnson Space Center in Houston for future generations to study with technologies not yet created. The roughly $800 million, minivan-sized OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin, launched in 2016 to grab and return the first US sample of pristine asteroid materials. Japan is the only other country to have accomplished such a feat. Asteroids are among the leftover debris from the solar system's formation some 4.5 billion years ago. A sample could hold clues to the origins of life on Earth, scientists say. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA shares image of nearly 5-billion-year-old asteroid crossing the Earth

asteroid

Asteroid, News on Asteroid, stories on Asteroid, articles on Asteroid, Asteroid stories at Wion, Asteroid news, Asteroid latest news