The US space probe&nbsp;Osiris-Rex&nbsp;on Monday left the orbit of the asteroid Bennu, from which it collected dust samples last year, to begin its long journey back to Earth.

The probe still has a vast distance to cover before it lands in the Utah desert on September 24, 2023.&nbsp;

Osiris-Rex&nbsp;is 'now moving away over 600 miles an hour from Bennu, on its way home,'&nbsp;Dante Lauretta, head of the mission, said on NASA's video broadcast of the event.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US tracking out-of-control wreckage of Chinese rocket falling back to Earth">US tracking out-of-control wreckage of Chinese rocket falling back to Earth</a>

The spacecraft's thrusters were engaged without incident for seven minutes to put the probe on the correct trajectory home, a journey of 1.4 billion miles (2.3 billion kilometers).

It is carrying more than 60 grams of dust and fragments from the asteroid, the largest sample collected by NASA since the Moon rocks brought back by the Apollo missions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule">'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule</a>

To achieve this goal, the US space agency launched a high-risk operation in October 2020: the probe came into contact with the asteroid for a few seconds, and a blast of compressed nitrogen was emitted to raise the dust sample which was then captured.&nbsp;

The surprise for NASA was the probe's arm sank several centimeters into the surface of the asteroid, showing the scientists that 'the surfaces of these rubble pile asteroids are very loosely consolidated,'&nbsp;said Lauretta.&nbsp;

The whole mission almost came to nought when NASA realised a few days later that the valve of the collection compartment was failing to close, letting fragments escape into space.

But the precious cargo was finally secured after being transferred to a capsule fixed in the spacecraft's center.&nbsp;

In two and a half years, that capsule will be released a few hours before entry into the Earth's atmosphere, and will be slowed down by a parachute system for its landing.

The samples will then be transported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, but 75 percent will be kept intact to be studied by future generations, who will have advanced technologies that have not yet been created, the agency said.

The analysis should help scientists better understand the formation of the solar system and the development of Earth as a habitable planet.

The US space probe Osiris-Rex on Monday left the orbit of the asteroid Bennu, from which it collected dust samples last year, to begin its long journey back to Earth.

The US space probe Osiris-Rex on Monday left the orbit of the asteroid Bennu, from which it collected dust samples last year, to begin its long journey back to Earth. The probe still has a vast distance to cover before it lands in the Utah desert on September 24, 2023. Osiris-Rex is 'now moving away over 600 miles an hour from Bennu, on its way home,' Dante Lauretta, head of the mission, said on NASA's video broadcast of the event. Also read | US tracking out-of-control wreckage of Chinese rocket falling back to Earth The spacecraft's thrusters were engaged without incident for seven minutes to put the probe on the correct trajectory home, a journey of 1.4 billion miles (2.3 billion kilometers). It is carrying more than 60 grams of dust and fragments from the asteroid, the largest sample collected by NASA since the Moon rocks brought back by the Apollo missions. Also read | 'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule To achieve this goal, the US space agency launched a high-risk operation in October 2020: the probe came into contact with the asteroid for a few seconds, and a blast of compressed nitrogen was emitted to raise the dust sample which was then captured. The surprise for NASA was the probe's arm sank several centimeters into the surface of the asteroid, showing the scientists that 'the surfaces of these rubble pile asteroids are very loosely consolidated,' said Lauretta. The whole mission almost came to nought when NASA realised a few days later that the valve of the collection compartment was failing to close, letting fragments escape into space. But the precious cargo was finally secured after being transferred to a capsule fixed in the spacecraft's center. In two and a half years, that capsule will be released a few hours before entry into the Earth's atmosphere, and will be slowed down by a parachute system for its landing. The samples will then be transported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, but 75 percent will be kept intact to be studied by future generations, who will have advanced technologies that have not yet been created, the agency said. The analysis should help scientists better understand the formation of the solar system and the development of Earth as a habitable planet.

US space probe Osiris-Rex heads home with dust from asteroid Bennu

A few years back, the beautiful country of Botswana in Southern Africa was impacted by asteroid debris. After more than two years, scientists have finally concluded the questions surrounding the origin of that debris.

The analysis proved out to be tough for scientists because they had to rely largely on video and picture evidence to examine rock samples due as the observations had been picked up a little after the debris had come in contact with the Earth.

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This incident that took place in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana on June 02, 2018, was being studied by researchers at the Meteoritics and Planetary Science.

As per the researchers, the debris belongs to Vesta, which is one of the largest objects in our solar system and is believed to be the second-largest space rock in the asteroid belt.

The origin of the rock that shook the Botswana farm is believed to be nearly 22 million years ago. It is believed it was formed after Vesta collided with another space body roughly 22 million years ago which led to the formation of a larger family of debris — some of which landed on the Earth.

A few years back, the beautiful country of Botswana in Southern Africa was impacted by asteroid debris. After more than two years, scientists have finally concluded the questions surrounding the origin of that debris.

A few years back, the beautiful country of Botswana in Southern Africa was impacted by asteroid debris. After more than two years, scientists have finally concluded the questions surrounding the origin of that debris. The analysis proved out to be tough for scientists because they had to rely largely on video and picture evidence to examine rock samples due as the observations had been picked up a little after the debris had come in contact with the Earth. × This incident that took place in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana on June 02, 2018, was being studied by researchers at the Meteoritics and Planetary Science. As per the researchers, the debris belongs to Vesta, which is one of the largest objects in our solar system and is believed to be the second-largest space rock in the asteroid belt. The origin of the rock that shook the Botswana farm is believed to be nearly 22 million years ago. It is believed it was formed after Vesta collided with another space body roughly 22 million years ago which led to the formation of a larger family of debris — some of which landed on the Earth.

Asteroid that hit Botswana in 2018 was 22 million years old: Researchers

Astronomers have recreated the 22m-year-long journey of an asteroid that blasted over Botswana, showering meteorites in the Kalahari desert.&nbsp;

This is the first time scientists have reconstructed such a path of an asteroid to its source.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The asteroid started its journey from Vesta, one of the biggest bodies in the asteroid belt that circles the sun between Jupiter and Mars.&nbsp;

It reached the Earth's atmosphere with a speed of 37,000 mph in June 2018 and broke apart over the central Kalahari game reserve, creating a very bright fireball.&nbsp;

Nasa scientists had tracked the object from as far out as the moon through telescopes in Arizona and Hawaii.&nbsp;

After it landed on Earth, the researchers asked astronomers in Australia to check images from the SkyMapper telescope situated in New South Wales.&nbsp;

The telescope is used to study black holes and in this case, it had recorded the six-tonne asteroid's flight path, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-mini-truck-sized-asteroid-just-gave-earth-a-close-shave-377307">A mini truck-sized asteroid just gave Earth a close shave</a>

"We wouldn't have noticed it had it not been for the tip-off by the American discoverers, and it hits close to home," Christian Wolf, an astronomer at Australian National University said.&nbsp;

"Granted, it's the Kalahari and I have never been there, but when your day job involves orienteering along a chain of black holes with an average step size of 1bn light years between the waypoints, the Kalahari feels awfully close to your keyboard."

The images of the asteroid, named 2018LA, captured from three telescopes installed far away from the Earth's surface allowed the researchers to reconstruct its trajectory and find out its origin.&nbsp;

The search led to Vesta, a 300-mile-wide asteroid that is sometimes visible without a telescope. 
&nbsp;

Astronomers have recreated the 22m-year-long journey of an asteroid that blasted over Botswana, showering meteorites in the Kalahari desert. This is the first time scientists have reconstructed such a path of an asteroid to its source.

Astronomers have recreated the 22m-year-long journey of an asteroid that blasted over Botswana, showering meteorites in the Kalahari desert. This is the first time scientists have reconstructed such a path of an asteroid to its source. Watch | The asteroid started its journey from Vesta, one of the biggest bodies in the asteroid belt that circles the sun between Jupiter and Mars. It reached the Earth's atmosphere with a speed of 37,000 mph in June 2018 and broke apart over the central Kalahari game reserve, creating a very bright fireball. Nasa scientists had tracked the object from as far out as the moon through telescopes in Arizona and Hawaii. After it landed on Earth, the researchers asked astronomers in Australia to check images from the SkyMapper telescope situated in New South Wales. The telescope is used to study black holes and in this case, it had recorded the six-tonne asteroid's flight path, The Guardian reported. Also read | A mini truck-sized asteroid just gave Earth a close shave "We wouldn't have noticed it had it not been for the tip-off by the American discoverers, and it hits close to home," Christian Wolf, an astronomer at Australian National University said. "Granted, it's the Kalahari and I have never been there, but when your day job involves orienteering along a chain of black holes with an average step size of 1bn light years between the waypoints, the Kalahari feels awfully close to your keyboard." The images of the asteroid, named 2018LA, captured from three telescopes installed far away from the Earth's surface allowed the researchers to reconstruct its trajectory and find out its origin. The search led to Vesta, a 300-mile-wide asteroid that is sometimes visible without a telescope.

In a first, asteroid's journey from source to Earth mapped

An asteroid named 2021 GW4 about the size of a small truck flew harmlessly past Earth on April 12.

This recently detected space rock was travelling at 18,706 miles per hour (30,104 km/h) or 8.36 kilometres per second, relative to Earth.

According to reports, the rock was well inside the ring where many artificial satellites orbit around the Earth at an altitude of 35,786 km.

The asteroid was about 26,200 km away from Earth — less than one-tenth the distance between the Earth and the moon, and quite close as far as asteroid approaches go. The average distance between the Earth and the moon is about 384,400 km.

Asteroid 2021 GW4 was discovered on April 8, 2021, using the 59 inches (1.5 metres) telescope of the Catalina Sky Survey at Mt. Lemmon, Arizona.

According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, more than 500 asteroids have been already identified this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

An asteroid named 2021 GW4 about the size of a small truck flew harmlessly past Earth on April 12. This recently detected space rock was travelling at 18,706 miles per hour (30,104 km/h) or 8.

An asteroid named 2021 GW4 about the size of a small truck flew harmlessly past Earth on April 12. This recently detected space rock was travelling at 18,706 miles per hour (30,104 km/h) or 8.36 kilometres per second, relative to Earth. According to reports, the rock was well inside the ring where many artificial satellites orbit around the Earth at an altitude of 35,786 km. The asteroid was about 26,200 km away from Earth — less than one-tenth the distance between the Earth and the moon, and quite close as far as asteroid approaches go. The average distance between the Earth and the moon is about 384,400 km. Asteroid 2021 GW4 was discovered on April 8, 2021, using the 59 inches (1.5 metres) telescope of the Catalina Sky Survey at Mt. Lemmon, Arizona. According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, more than 500 asteroids have been already identified this year. (With inputs from agencies)

A mini truck-sized asteroid just gave Earth a close shave

Social media is roaring with reports of an asteroid heading Earth’s way to cause major mayhem. But NASA believes the asteroid in question - “Apophis” poses no risks to the planet…. For now, and for a century to follow.

For the last 15 years, scientists have been worried about Apophis ramming into Earth. Now, they’re no longer worried. Apophis is a 340 metre (1,100) space rock which caused a frenzy in 2004 upon its discovery by scientists. Many previous estimates claimed that the asteroid would come extremely close to earth in 2029, and then again in 2036.

These two close approaches were ruled out by NASA a while ago. But scientists feared that a 2068 collision would be imminent. That was until scientists made some new observations to rule out any risk from the asteroid. In fact, it has been taken off NASA’s “risk list”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-invasion-spectacular-display-of-lights-across-us-sparks-conspiracy-theories-373462" hreflang="en">'Alien invasion': Spectacular display of lights across US sparks conspiracy theories</a>

In a statement, Davide Farnocchia of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies said that a collision in 2068 is no longer in the “realm of possibility”.&nbsp; “Our calculations don’t show any impact risk for at least the next 100 years”, he said.

Scientists located and learned more about the orbit of the asteroid based on recent radar observations from March.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/invisible-ghost-stars-may-be-holding-galaxies-together-in-space-what-does-this-revelation-change-373361" hreflang="en">Invisible 'ghost stars' may be holding galaxies together in space. What does this revelation change?</a>

On April 13, 2029, the asteroid will be within 32,000 kilometres (20,000 miles) of Earth. Scientists hope to get a better look at the asteroid in 2029 when it approaches the planet.

Most asteroids in our solar system are situated in a belt between Mars and Jupiter, but not all of them remain there. Belonging to the Aten family, Apophis is situation in the Earth’s orbit, putting it between our planet and the sun.

Social media is roaring with reports of an asteroid heading Earth’s way to cause major mayhem. But NASA believes the asteroid in question - “Apophis” poses no risks to the planet….

Social media is roaring with reports of an asteroid heading Earth’s way to cause major mayhem. But NASA believes the asteroid in question - “Apophis” poses no risks to the planet…. For now, and for a century to follow. For the last 15 years, scientists have been worried about Apophis ramming into Earth. Now, they’re no longer worried. Apophis is a 340 metre (1,100) space rock which caused a frenzy in 2004 upon its discovery by scientists. Many previous estimates claimed that the asteroid would come extremely close to earth in 2029, and then again in 2036. These two close approaches were ruled out by NASA a while ago. But scientists feared that a 2068 collision would be imminent. That was until scientists made some new observations to rule out any risk from the asteroid. In fact, it has been taken off NASA’s “risk list”. Also read: 'Alien invasion': Spectacular display of lights across US sparks conspiracy theories In a statement, Davide Farnocchia of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies said that a collision in 2068 is no longer in the “realm of possibility”. “Our calculations don’t show any impact risk for at least the next 100 years”, he said. Scientists located and learned more about the orbit of the asteroid based on recent radar observations from March. Also read: Invisible 'ghost stars' may be holding galaxies together in space. What does this revelation change? On April 13, 2029, the asteroid will be within 32,000 kilometres (20,000 miles) of Earth. Scientists hope to get a better look at the asteroid in 2029 when it approaches the planet. Most asteroids in our solar system are situated in a belt between Mars and Jupiter, but not all of them remain there. Belonging to the Aten family, Apophis is situation in the Earth’s orbit, putting it between our planet and the sun.

Apophis the asteroid is not hurling towards Earth... But only for now!

Asteroids vary in sizes, some are negligible, others pack enough punch to wipe out life on Earth (remember dinosaurs?) The asteroid that will pass by Earth isn't as big as the one that killed dinosaurs but it is biggest space body to pass by Earth this year. What's more, the asteroid has been termed 'potentially hazardous asteroid'.

So this asteroid is called 2001 FO32 and it will pass by Earth at a distance of about two million kilometres from it. This distance may seem too much but in astronomical terms, it is not that much. One thing is certain about space is that though we know a good deal, there is always a lot we will still need to learn.

This asteroid is about 900 metres across. Again, this may make the asteroid a minion in our minds but this one packs a punch.

It is travelling through space at a mid boggling speed of 124,000 kilometres per hour.

Imagine the momentum this space rock must possess. A direct hit from this asteroid will certainly be stuff of nightmares.

The asteroid is set to fly by the Earth at 1600 GMT

Asteroids vary in sizes, some are negligible, others pack enough punch to wipe out life on Earth (remember dinosaurs?) The asteroid that will pass by Earth isn't as big as the one that killed dinosaurs but it is biggest space body to pass by Earth this year.

Asteroids vary in sizes, some are negligible, others pack enough punch to wipe out life on Earth (remember dinosaurs?) The asteroid that will pass by Earth isn't as big as the one that killed dinosaurs but it is biggest space body to pass by Earth this year. What's more, the asteroid has been termed 'potentially hazardous asteroid'. So this asteroid is called 2001 FO32 and it will pass by Earth at a distance of about two million kilometres from it. This distance may seem too much but in astronomical terms, it is not that much. One thing is certain about space is that though we know a good deal, there is always a lot we will still need to learn. This asteroid is about 900 metres across. Again, this may make the asteroid a minion in our minds but this one packs a punch. It is travelling through space at a mid boggling speed of 124,000 kilometres per hour. Imagine the momentum this space rock must possess. A direct hit from this asteroid will certainly be stuff of nightmares. The asteroid is set to fly by the Earth at 1600 GMT

Biggest asteroid of 2021 to pass by Earth tonight 

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

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

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

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

The largest asteroid to pass by Earth this year will approach within some 1.25 million miles (two million kilometers) of our planet on March 21, according to NASA.

The asteroid, 2001 FO32, is estimated to be about 3,000 feet in diameter and was discovered 20 years ago.

The director of the Center for Near Earth Object Studies, to this end, said , "We know the orbital path of 2001 FO32 around the Sun very accurately. There is no chance the asteroid will get any closer to Earth than 1.25 million miles." That is roughly 5.25 times the distance of the Earth from the Moon but still close enough for 2001 FO32 to be classified as a "potentially hazardous asteroid."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/why-a-vagabond-comet-like-object-near-ancient-trojan-asteroids-has-caught-nasas-attention-367558">Also read |&nbsp;Why a 'vagabond' comet-like object near ancient Trojan asteroids has caught NASA's attention</a>

NASA said 2001 FO32 will pass by at about 77,000 miles per hour faster than the speed at which most asteroids encounter Earth.

NASA said astronomers hope to get a better understanding of the asteroid's size and a rough idea of its composition by studying light reflecting off its surface.

"By studying the spectrum of light reflecting off the surface, astronomers can measure the chemical 'fingerprints' of the minerals on the surface of the asteroid," NASA said.

The asteroid will be brightest while it moves through southern skies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-alert-a-stadium-sized-space-rock-is-hurtling-towards-earth-365317">Also read |&nbsp;Asteroid alert: A 'stadium sized' space rock is hurtling towards Earth</a>

NASA said more than 95 per cent of near-Earth asteroids the size of 2001 FO32 or larger have been catalogued and none of them has any chance of impacting our planet over the next century.

The largest asteroid to pass by Earth this year will approach within some 1.25 million miles (two million kilometers) of our planet on March 21, according to NASA.

The largest asteroid to pass by Earth this year will approach within some 1.25 million miles (two million kilometers) of our planet on March 21, according to NASA. The asteroid, 2001 FO32, is estimated to be about 3,000 feet in diameter and was discovered 20 years ago. The director of the Center for Near Earth Object Studies, to this end, said , "We know the orbital path of 2001 FO32 around the Sun very accurately. There is no chance the asteroid will get any closer to Earth than 1.25 million miles." That is roughly 5.25 times the distance of the Earth from the Moon but still close enough for 2001 FO32 to be classified as a "potentially hazardous asteroid." Also read | Why a 'vagabond' comet-like object near ancient Trojan asteroids has caught NASA's attention NASA said 2001 FO32 will pass by at about 77,000 miles per hour faster than the speed at which most asteroids encounter Earth. NASA said astronomers hope to get a better understanding of the asteroid's size and a rough idea of its composition by studying light reflecting off its surface. "By studying the spectrum of light reflecting off the surface, astronomers can measure the chemical 'fingerprints' of the minerals on the surface of the asteroid," NASA said. The asteroid will be brightest while it moves through southern skies. Also read | Asteroid alert: A 'stadium sized' space rock is hurtling towards Earth NASA said more than 95 per cent of near-Earth asteroids the size of 2001 FO32 or larger have been catalogued and none of them has any chance of impacting our planet over the next century.

A large asteroid to pass by earth on March 21, NASA says

School students in India have discovered 18 asteroids&nbsp;as part of a global science programme, according to the&nbsp;International Astronomical Union (IAU), an organisation that assigns official names and designations to celestial bodies.

The International Asteroid Discovery Project was conducted by STEM and Space, an organisation working towards the learning of astronomy and space science in India, along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) as part of a NASA citizen science project.

Over the last two years, 150 students from all around India participated in this two-month-long campaign to find asteroids, making this the largest asteroid discovery project in India, Mila Mitra, Co-founder and Academic Head of STEM and Space said.

In the project, the students from India, and across the globe analysed the high-quality astronomical data provided by IASC, an online scientific program for kids to discover Asteroids and Near-Earth Objects (NEO).

NEOs are rocky objects in an orbit between Mars and Jupiter, which pose a challenge to Earth as they may get perturbed out of their orbit and pose a threat of impact. 
According to Mitra and her team, NASA has initiated programs like IASC to track such asteroids regularly, also open to citizen scientists and students to enable the discovery and tracking of more asteroids.

She explained that in the project the students use advanced software analysis, "spending nearly two-three hours each day" to look for asteroids and report their findings. 
Of the 372 preliminary asteroids flagged by the students, 18 were finally declared to be "provisional" or confirmed discoveries of asteroids, Mitra noted.

"IAU confirmed these findings last month," the STEM and Space co-founder added.

Mitra believes brings such programs can bring the experiential learning of science, technology, engineering and medicine, or STEM, via the domain of space with a gamut of hands-on learning workshops.

However, she said more efforts need to be taken to extend the reach of such programs to government-run schools and those in rural parts of the country to make the citizen science projects more equitable.

Mitra noted that all the discoverers received Provisional Discovery Certificates from IASC and NASA for their scientific contribution in discovering asteroids.

School students in India have discovered 18 asteroids as part of a global science programme, according to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), an organisation that assigns official names and designations to celestial bodies.

School students in India have discovered 18 asteroids as part of a global science programme, according to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), an organisation that assigns official names and designations to celestial bodies. The International Asteroid Discovery Project was conducted by STEM and Space, an organisation working towards the learning of astronomy and space science in India, along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) as part of a NASA citizen science project. Over the last two years, 150 students from all around India participated in this two-month-long campaign to find asteroids, making this the largest asteroid discovery project in India, Mila Mitra, Co-founder and Academic Head of STEM and Space said. In the project, the students from India, and across the globe analysed the high-quality astronomical data provided by IASC, an online scientific program for kids to discover Asteroids and Near-Earth Objects (NEO). NEOs are rocky objects in an orbit between Mars and Jupiter, which pose a challenge to Earth as they may get perturbed out of their orbit and pose a threat of impact. According to Mitra and her team, NASA has initiated programs like IASC to track such asteroids regularly, also open to citizen scientists and students to enable the discovery and tracking of more asteroids. She explained that in the project the students use advanced software analysis, "spending nearly two-three hours each day" to look for asteroids and report their findings. Of the 372 preliminary asteroids flagged by the students, 18 were finally declared to be "provisional" or confirmed discoveries of asteroids, Mitra noted. "IAU confirmed these findings last month," the STEM and Space co-founder added. Mitra believes brings such programs can bring the experiential learning of science, technology, engineering and medicine, or STEM, via the domain of space with a gamut of hands-on learning workshops. However, she said more efforts need to be taken to extend the reach of such programs to government-run schools and those in rural parts of the country to make the citizen science projects more equitable. Mitra noted that all the discoverers received Provisional Discovery Certificates from IASC and NASA for their scientific contribution in discovering asteroids.

Indian school students discover 18 new asteroids

It is believed that thousands of years ago, an asteroid had wiped off the whole existence of dinosaurs from the planet Earth. Now, scientists believe they have figured out how such a huge chunk of the rock ended up on Earth.

Experts from Harvard University believe it to be true that dinosaurs were killed due to an extra-terrestrial rock that had hit the Earth many centuries ago.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archaeologists-find-unexpected-iron-age-settlement-in-oxfordshire-363766" hreflang="en">Archaeologists find unexpected iron age settlement in Oxfordshire</a>

It is being believed that the gravity of the Jupiter planet draws comets from icy outer edges of the solar system and bolts them inwards, towards the sun.

While the comets slingshot around the sun, the gravitational power can break apart the cosmic missile. This can result in several broken shards flying across the solar system.

There's a possibility that one such shard ended up colliding with the Earth centuries ago, leading to the death of hundreds of dinosaurs and other Earthly creatures.

"The solar system acts as a kind of pinball machine," Amir Siraj, an undergraduate student explained. "Jupiter, the most massive planet, kicks incoming long-period comets into orbits that bring them very close to the sun."

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

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

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

Asteroids are beautiful things as long as they put on a stellar show while burning to dust in Earth's atmosphere. Asteroids that are a bit bigger leave space rocks on Earths surface for scientists to study. Anything bigger than that, well, ask dinosaurs what happens when such a thing strikes the Earth.

An asteroid by the name of Apophis is approaching our home planet. Apophis is the Egyptian God of chaos and darkness. Anything named after such a deity is surely not going to be anything sweet. On top of it, it's an asteroid.

Apophis, known officially as &nbsp;99942 Apophis (2004 MN4) is three football-fields wide. It may appear to be small given how huge Earth is. But remember, asteroids zap around in space at speeds of thousands of kms an hour. And that's why if any of the astroids strikes the Earth, the explosion would be comparable to one caused by several exploding atomic bombs.

Apophis is going to have a very close flyby past Earth in 2029. At its closest point, Apophis will be at an altitude of some of our artificial satellites. Previously, Apophis had a 3 per cent chance of hitting the Earth. This again may sound pretty small a number. But for a space body as large as Apophis, this is a terrifying figure.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/potentially-hazardous-largest-known-asteroid-to-fly-past-earth-in-2021-362083">'Potentially hazardous': Largest known asteroid to fly past Earth in 2021</a>

Fortunately, scientists have now able to determine that Apophis will not hit the Earth 2029.

But while 2029 seems a bit away, it may scare you to know that another close approach is scheduled to take place this year. Next month to be precise.

Apophis will fly by Earth on March 5, 2021. This time though it will be at a much greater distance away from Earth than its approach scheduled to take place in 2029.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/life-on-mars-study-gives-fresh-evidence-to-back-the-claim-362767">Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim</a>

But both of these events are going to provide scientists with an opportunity to study the trajectory and motion of Apophis.&nbsp;

Why the study?

Because Apophis will make another close call to Earth in the year 2068 and it will give all of us relief if know 100 per cent that it will not strike the Earth at that time.

Asteroids are beautiful things as long as they put on a stellar show while burning to dust in Earth's atmosphere. Asteroids that are a bit bigger leave space rocks on Earths surface for scientists to study.

Asteroids are beautiful things as long as they put on a stellar show while burning to dust in Earth's atmosphere. Asteroids that are a bit bigger leave space rocks on Earths surface for scientists to study. Anything bigger than that, well, ask dinosaurs what happens when such a thing strikes the Earth. An asteroid by the name of Apophis is approaching our home planet. Apophis is the Egyptian God of chaos and darkness. Anything named after such a deity is surely not going to be anything sweet. On top of it, it's an asteroid. Apophis, known officially as 99942 Apophis (2004 MN4) is three football-fields wide. It may appear to be small given how huge Earth is. But remember, asteroids zap around in space at speeds of thousands of kms an hour. And that's why if any of the astroids strikes the Earth, the explosion would be comparable to one caused by several exploding atomic bombs. Apophis is going to have a very close flyby past Earth in 2029. At its closest point, Apophis will be at an altitude of some of our artificial satellites. Previously, Apophis had a 3 per cent chance of hitting the Earth. This again may sound pretty small a number. But for a space body as large as Apophis, this is a terrifying figure. Also Read | 'Potentially hazardous': Largest known asteroid to fly past Earth in 2021 Fortunately, scientists have now able to determine that Apophis will not hit the Earth 2029. But while 2029 seems a bit away, it may scare you to know that another close approach is scheduled to take place this year. Next month to be precise. Apophis will fly by Earth on March 5, 2021. This time though it will be at a much greater distance away from Earth than its approach scheduled to take place in 2029. Also Read | Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim But both of these events are going to provide scientists with an opportunity to study the trajectory and motion of Apophis. Why the study? Because Apophis will make another close call to Earth in the year 2068 and it will give all of us relief if know 100 per cent that it will not strike the Earth at that time.

Asteroid Apophis approaches Earth, scientists have their eyes set

NASA has warned that a monstrous 220-meter asteroid is headed Earth’s way early in the new year.

Year 2020’s final asteroid, 2020 YB4, measuring just 36 metres in diameter or roughly half the wingspan of a 747, passed by the Earth shortly after 6 am UTC at a distance of 6.1 million kilometres.

Keeping up with the trend, in the first days of January, three additional, small Near Earth Objects (NEOs) will grace the Earth with their presence.&nbsp;

The 15-metre asteroid 2019 YB4 will fly by at a safe distance of 6.4 million kilometres. It will be followed up by two more chunks of cosmic debris in the form of the 15-meter 2020 YA1 and the 21-meter 2020 YP4, which will pass by at 
1.5 and 2.1 million kilometers respectively, the next day.

A bigger asteroid will shoot past Earth on January 3, as the relatively mountainous 2003 AF23, measuring an impressive 220m in diameter or about as wide as the Golden Gate Bridge is tall, at 6.9 million kilometers.

NASA has warned that a monstrous 220-meter asteroid is headed Earth’s way early in the new year. Year 2020’s final asteroid, 2020 YB4, measuring just 36 metres in diameter or roughly half the wingspan of a 747, passed by the Earth shortly after 6 am UTC at a distance of 6.

NASA has warned that a monstrous 220-meter asteroid is headed Earth’s way early in the new year. Year 2020’s final asteroid, 2020 YB4, measuring just 36 metres in diameter or roughly half the wingspan of a 747, passed by the Earth shortly after 6 am UTC at a distance of 6.1 million kilometres. Keeping up with the trend, in the first days of January, three additional, small Near Earth Objects (NEOs) will grace the Earth with their presence. The 15-metre asteroid 2019 YB4 will fly by at a safe distance of 6.4 million kilometres. It will be followed up by two more chunks of cosmic debris in the form of the 15-meter 2020 YA1 and the 21-meter 2020 YP4, which will pass by at 1.5 and 2.1 million kilometers respectively, the next day. A bigger asteroid will shoot past Earth on January 3, as the relatively mountainous 2003 AF23, measuring an impressive 220m in diameter or about as wide as the Golden Gate Bridge is tall, at 6.9 million kilometers.

A huge asteroid and three small NEOs will shoot past Earth in early Jan, NASA warns

According to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), a huge<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-asteroids-headed-earths-way-on-day-of-joe-bidens-inauguration-as-us-president-357734"> asteroid</a> would travel past the Earth on February 1.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japanese-spacecraft-returns-to-earth-carrying-pieces-of-distant-asteroid-347853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The space rock dubbed 2016 CL136 measures between 460 feet and 1,017 feet in diameter, report say which is equal to the size of the French Eiffel Tower.

Experts say the asteroid is expected to come 3.3 million miles of the Earth. The asteroid is reportedly set to travel past the Earth on February 1 at 5:26 pm.

In an earlier report, NASA scientists had said asteroid named 2021 AC, which is twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza, would hit the Earth's orbit.&nbsp;

NASA had said that small asteroids pass the Earth a few time a year which are often difficult to record.

NASA had earlier warned that a 220-meter asteroid was headed towards the Earth in the new year.

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

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

Asteroid size of Eiffel Tower to pass Earth: NASA study

Joe Biden is set to take over presidential duties in the United States starting January 20. Besides pro-Trump rioters, celestial objects may now be in his way.

Over the next few days, a series of asteroids are expected to brush off Earth. In fact, one is travelling towards our planet at the speed of 46,000 kilometres an hour (29,000 miles).

But NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies claims that a handful of asteroids will near Earth in the coming days, and that on the Inauguration Day alone, four such asteroids are expected to cross paths with our planet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/aliens-in-our-galaxy-may-have-perished-due-to-too-much-progress-study-suggests-351849" hreflang="en">Aliens in our galaxy may have perished due to too much progress, study suggests</a>

So far, the asteroids are believed to be travelling in a safe direction, not in the direction line of our planet. But all four have given the “close approach” designation by NASA. The closest asteroid called “2021 BK1” will pass by Earth at a distance similar to the Moon’s orbit. From the fleet of asteroids headed to Earth, one is 93 metres in width!

Trump in cahoots with aliens?

Earlier, a former Israeli space agency chief Haim Eshed shocked the world by claiming that aliens exist, along with a Galactic Federation. He also claimed that Trump administration is a part of this federation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/nashville-bombers-bizarre-writings-reveal-he-believed-in-lizard-people-aliens-354323" hreflang="en">Nashville bomber's bizarre writings reveal he believed in lizard people, aliens</a>

“Humanity is not ready yet”, he told a local newspaper, while saying that Trump wanted to reveal the existence of aliens to the people, but they suggested against it to avoid a situation of mass hysteria.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israeli-official-says-aliens-exist-348428/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Others were quick to brush off his claims as bizarre. But he himself acknowledged this possibility while saying that if he had said the same words five years ago, he could have been hospitalised.

Joe Biden is set to take over presidential duties in the United States starting January 20. Besides pro-Trump rioters, celestial objects may now be in his way. Over the next few days, a series of asteroids are expected to brush off Earth.

Joe Biden is set to take over presidential duties in the United States starting January 20. Besides pro-Trump rioters, celestial objects may now be in his way. Over the next few days, a series of asteroids are expected to brush off Earth. In fact, one is travelling towards our planet at the speed of 46,000 kilometres an hour (29,000 miles). But NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies claims that a handful of asteroids will near Earth in the coming days, and that on the Inauguration Day alone, four such asteroids are expected to cross paths with our planet. Also read: Aliens in our galaxy may have perished due to too much progress, study suggests So far, the asteroids are believed to be travelling in a safe direction, not in the direction line of our planet. But all four have given the “close approach” designation by NASA. The closest asteroid called “2021 BK1” will pass by Earth at a distance similar to the Moon’s orbit. From the fleet of asteroids headed to Earth, one is 93 metres in width! Trump in cahoots with aliens? Earlier, a former Israeli space agency chief Haim Eshed shocked the world by claiming that aliens exist, along with a Galactic Federation. He also claimed that Trump administration is a part of this federation. Also read: Nashville bomber's bizarre writings reveal he believed in lizard people, aliens “Humanity is not ready yet”, he told a local newspaper, while saying that Trump wanted to reveal the existence of aliens to the people, but they suggested against it to avoid a situation of mass hysteria. Others were quick to brush off his claims as bizarre. But he himself acknowledged this possibility while saying that if he had said the same words five years ago, he could have been hospitalised.

Four asteroids headed Earth's way on day of Joe Biden's inauguration as US president

2020 has given us a lot to clutch our heads and scream. While coronavirus pandemic was the major reason, the year will live in infamy due to many horrible reasons. And just as when we thought we were slipping past its grip, the news has arrived that five asteroids are slated to make a close call to Earth in a single week. And two of them are going to flyby at a distance less than that between Earth and the Moon

Remember what happened last time an asteroid struck Earth? It wiped out 95 per cent of life on the planet including the dinosaurs who were the dominant species then.

No prize for guessing which dominant species on Earth will be wiped out now if a space rock is to strike our planet at a speed of thousands of kilometres per hour

So let's take a look

Asteroid 2020 XF4 is just 11 metres across but its superspeed gives it a deadly momentum. It's a good thing then it is going to miss the Earth. However, it will come closer to Earth than the Moon. It will fly past Earth at a distance of 343,047 km. Distance between Earth and the Moon is 386,000 km

Asteroid 2020 VY1 is slightly bigger. This 24-metre space-rock will fly by at a distance of 5 million kilometres.

Then there is asteroid 2020 XS5 which will hurtle past Earth at distance of 2 million km&nbsp;

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-captures-himalayan-mountains-delhis-city-lights-from-space-350259">NASA captures Himalayan mountains, Delhi's city lights from space</a>

However, asteroid 2020 XX3 will come much much closer. It will give Earth a miss at only 57 thousand kilometres. This distance may appear to be a lot but considering measurements in Space, this is not much.

Finally, asteroid 2020 XF3 will pass by Earth. But it will cut a wide berth at 6.9 million kilometres.

Let's hope the year 2020 does not have any more surprises.

2020 has given us a lot to clutch our heads and scream. While coronavirus pandemic was the major reason, the year will live in infamy due to many horrible reasons.

2020 has given us a lot to clutch our heads and scream. While coronavirus pandemic was the major reason, the year will live in infamy due to many horrible reasons. And just as when we thought we were slipping past its grip, the news has arrived that five asteroids are slated to make a close call to Earth in a single week. And two of them are going to flyby at a distance less than that between Earth and the Moon Remember what happened last time an asteroid struck Earth? It wiped out 95 per cent of life on the planet including the dinosaurs who were the dominant species then. No prize for guessing which dominant species on Earth will be wiped out now if a space rock is to strike our planet at a speed of thousands of kilometres per hour So let's take a look Asteroid 2020 XF4 is just 11 metres across but its superspeed gives it a deadly momentum. It's a good thing then it is going to miss the Earth. However, it will come closer to Earth than the Moon. It will fly past Earth at a distance of 343,047 km. Distance between Earth and the Moon is 386,000 km Asteroid 2020 VY1 is slightly bigger. This 24-metre space-rock will fly by at a distance of 5 million kilometres. Then there is asteroid 2020 XS5 which will hurtle past Earth at distance of 2 million km Watch: NASA captures Himalayan mountains, Delhi's city lights from space However, asteroid 2020 XX3 will come much much closer. It will give Earth a miss at only 57 thousand kilometres. This distance may appear to be a lot but considering measurements in Space, this is not much. Finally, asteroid 2020 XF3 will pass by Earth. But it will cut a wide berth at 6.9 million kilometres. Let's hope the year 2020 does not have any more surprises.

Five asteroids to make close call to Earth this week

After a long wait of six years, samples of an asteroid from a far off territory in space arrived in Japan on Tuesday. Greeted with smiles and claps, the sample was fetched from an asteroid 300 million kilometres away from Earth, and was sought as part of a space probe attempting to understand the source of life.

In December 2014, Hayabusa2 left for the asteroid called Ryugu. Soon after reaching the destination, it suffered a rough landing but was able to overcome it to collect the samples of asteroid dust in a capsule.

<img alt="In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid is seen after collecting them, in the Woomera restricted area, Australia, December 6, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7121b1c-4f11-4ff2-84df-f271f0818040" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_26.jpg" />

<h6>In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid is seen after collecting them, in the Woomera restricted area, Australia, December 6, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

On Sunday, the capsule was shot back to Earth, and landed in Australia. On Sunday, it was flown back to Japan, where it will be stored and studied.

Excited researchers could be seen welcoming the samples as it reached the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s research centre outside Tokyo.

The project manager - Yuichi Tsuda was elated at the news - “The capsule has returned”, he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

<img alt="In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid is seen after it landed in the Woomera restricted area, Australia, December 6, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9cd60b2-c023-47e2-977f-330496359d49" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_23.jpg" />

<h6>In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid is seen after it landed in the Woomera restricted area, Australia, December 6, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

He further claimed that it felt as if something had “squeezed” his heart. "The realization that it had gone all the way to the asteroid and back came welling up, and I felt as if something had squeezed my heart”, he said.

Scientists believe that asteroids were formed in the beginning of the creation of solar system as we know. What are they hoping to find? Organic matters which forms the basis of all life on Earth.

<img alt="In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), a member of JAXA collects Hayabusa2's capsule carrying t" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5320b59c-18d6-4bd4-8979-8cefaff4cccc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_42.jpg" />

<h6>In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), a member of JAXA collects Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the asteroid samples | Reuters</h6>

Before landing on an asteroid, the Hayabasa2 orbited above Ryugu for a new months. Eventually, it used small explosives to blast off a crater, from which the debris was collected for research.

According to estimates, 100 milligrams has been captured from the asteroid. The capsule is set to be opened by next week - to ascertain whether enough material has been collected.

After a long wait of six years, samples of an asteroid from a far off territory in space arrived in Japan on Tuesday. Greeted with smiles and claps, the sample was fetched from an asteroid 300 million kilometres away from Earth, and was sought as part of a space probe attempting to understand the source of life.

After a long wait of six years, samples of an asteroid from a far off territory in space arrived in Japan on Tuesday. Greeted with smiles and claps, the sample was fetched from an asteroid 300 million kilometres away from Earth, and was sought as part of a space probe attempting to understand the source of life. In December 2014, Hayabusa2 left for the asteroid called Ryugu. Soon after reaching the destination, it suffered a rough landing but was able to overcome it to collect the samples of asteroid dust in a capsule. In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid is seen after collecting them, in the Woomera restricted area, Australia, December 6, 2020 | Reuters On Sunday, the capsule was shot back to Earth, and landed in Australia. On Sunday, it was flown back to Japan, where it will be stored and studied. Excited researchers could be seen welcoming the samples as it reached the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s research centre outside Tokyo. The project manager - Yuichi Tsuda was elated at the news - “The capsule has returned”, he was quoted as saying by Reuters. In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid is seen after it landed in the Woomera restricted area, Australia, December 6, 2020 | Reuters He further claimed that it felt as if something had “squeezed” his heart. "The realization that it had gone all the way to the asteroid and back came welling up, and I felt as if something had squeezed my heart”, he said. Scientists believe that asteroids were formed in the beginning of the creation of solar system as we know. What are they hoping to find? Organic matters which forms the basis of all life on Earth. In this handout image from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), a member of JAXA collects Hayabusa2's capsule carrying the asteroid samples | Reuters Before landing on an asteroid, the Hayabasa2 orbited above Ryugu for a new months. Eventually, it used small explosives to blast off a crater, from which the debris was collected for research. According to estimates, 100 milligrams has been captured from the asteroid. The capsule is set to be opened by next week - to ascertain whether enough material has been collected.

In pics: After a six year-long journey, capsule carrying asteroid samples arrives in Japan

After spending nearly six years in the space Japan's 'Hayabusa 2' spacecraft have arrived back on Earth carrying samples from distant asteroid.

Japanese spacecraft returns to Earth carrying pieces of distant Asteroid

Japanese spacecraft 'Hayabusa 2' is bringing back pieces of the asteroid after 6 years since it was launched. The spacecraft is carrying two samples of rock and dust from the surface of the asteroid.

Japanese spacecraft 'Hayabusa 2' on its way back to the Earth

A Japanese space probe carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid has completed its six-year mission, landing safely in the remote Australian outback, Japan's space agency said on Sunday.

The samples, collected from a distant asteroid and expected to amount to no more than 0.1 grams of material, were dropped off by Japanese space probe Hayabusa-2.

The mission seeks to answer some fundamental questions about the origins of the solar system and where molecules like water came from.

The capsule carrying samples entered the atmosphere just before 2:30 am Japan time (1730 GMT Saturday), creating a shooting-star-like fireball as it entered Earth's atmosphere.

The spacecraft, launched from Japan's Tanegashima space centre in 2014, took four years to reach the asteroid Ryugu before taking a sample and heading back to Earth in November 2019.

"The helicopter carrying the capsule arrived at local headquarters and the capsule was brought inside the building," the agency said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The capsule separated from Hayabusa-2 on Saturday, when the refrigerator-sized space probe that launched into space in 2014 was 220,000 kilometres (137,000 miles) away from Earth.

It landed in the southern Australian desert, where it will be recovered from an area spanning some 100 square kilometres, with search crews guided by beacons emitted as the capsule descended.

Scientists at the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) Woomera Range Complex in South Australia closely monitored the capsule's descent.

Samples in the capsule were collected from the asteroid Ryugu, some 300 million kilometres from Earth during two crucial phases of Hayabusa-2's mission last year.

The probe collected both surface dust and pristine material from below the surface that was stirred up by firing an "impactor" into the asteroid.

The material collected from the asteroid is believed to be unchanged since the time the universe was formed.

Scientists are especially keen to discover whether the samples contain organic matter, which could have helped seed life on Earth.

Half the material will be shared between JAXA, US space agency NASA and other international organisations, and the rest kept for future study as advances are made in analytic technology.

(with inputs from agencies)

A Japanese space probe carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid has completed its six-year mission, landing safely in the remote Australian outback, Japan's space agency said on Sunday.

A Japanese space probe carrying the first extensive samples of an asteroid has completed its six-year mission, landing safely in the remote Australian outback, Japan's space agency said on Sunday. The samples, collected from a distant asteroid and expected to amount to no more than 0.1 grams of material, were dropped off by Japanese space probe Hayabusa-2. The mission seeks to answer some fundamental questions about the origins of the solar system and where molecules like water came from. The capsule carrying samples entered the atmosphere just before 2:30 am Japan time (1730 GMT Saturday), creating a shooting-star-like fireball as it entered Earth's atmosphere. The spacecraft, launched from Japan's Tanegashima space centre in 2014, took four years to reach the asteroid Ryugu before taking a sample and heading back to Earth in November 2019. "The helicopter carrying the capsule arrived at local headquarters and the capsule was brought inside the building," the agency said on Twitter. The capsule separated from Hayabusa-2 on Saturday, when the refrigerator-sized space probe that launched into space in 2014 was 220,000 kilometres (137,000 miles) away from Earth. It landed in the southern Australian desert, where it will be recovered from an area spanning some 100 square kilometres, with search crews guided by beacons emitted as the capsule descended. Scientists at the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) Woomera Range Complex in South Australia closely monitored the capsule's descent. Samples in the capsule were collected from the asteroid Ryugu, some 300 million kilometres from Earth during two crucial phases of Hayabusa-2's mission last year. The probe collected both surface dust and pristine material from below the surface that was stirred up by firing an "impactor" into the asteroid. The material collected from the asteroid is believed to be unchanged since the time the universe was formed. Scientists are especially keen to discover whether the samples contain organic matter, which could have helped seed life on Earth. Half the material will be shared between JAXA, US space agency NASA and other international organisations, and the rest kept for future study as advances are made in analytic technology. (with inputs from agencies)

Japan space probe carrying asteroid rocks arrives on Earth

Japan's Hayabusa-2 space probe is heading home, but only to drop off its rare asteroid samples before starting a new mission.

The space probe, launched in December 2014, has already thrilled scientists by landing on and gathering material from an asteroid some 300 million kilometres (185 million miles) from Earth.

Scientists from Japan's space agency JAXA have now planned to extend its mission for more than a decade and have targetted two new asteroids.

Before that mission can begin, Hayabusa-2 needs to drop off its precious samples from the asteroid Ryugu -- "dragon palace" in Japanese.

Scientists are hoping the capsule will contain around 0.1 grams of material that will offer clues about what the solar system was like at its birth some 4.6 billion years ago.

The material is in a capsule that will separate from Hayabusa-2 while it is some 220,000 kilometres above Earth and then plummet into the southern Australian desert.

Protected from sunlight and radiation inside the capsule, the samples will be collected, processed, then flown to Japan.

Half the material will be shared between JAXA, US space agency NASA and other international organisations, and the rest kept for future study as advances are made in analytic technology.

After dropping off its samples, Hayabusa-2 will complete a series of orbits around the sun for around six years -- recording data on dust in interplanetary space and observing exoplanets.

It will then approach the first of its target asteroids in July 2026.

The probe won't get that close to the asteroid named 2001 CC21, but scientists hope it will be able to photograph it as it completes a "high speed swing-by".

Hayabusa-2 will then head towards its main target, 1998 KY26, a ball-shaped asteroid with a diameter of just 30 metres. When the probe arrives at the asteroid in July 2031, it will be approximately 300 million kilometres from Earth

Hayabusa-2 will observe and photograph the asteroid, but it is unlikely to land and collect samples, as it probably won't have enough fuel to return them to Earth.

The probe is the successor to JAXA's first asteroid explorer "Hayabusa", which means falcon in Japanese.

(with inputs)

Japan's Hayabusa-2 space probe is heading home, but only to drop off its rare asteroid samples before starting a new mission. The space probe, launched in December 2014, has already thrilled scientists by landing on and gathering material from an asteroid some 300 million kilometres (185 million miles) from Earth.

Japan's Hayabusa-2 space probe is heading home, but only to drop off its rare asteroid samples before starting a new mission. The space probe, launched in December 2014, has already thrilled scientists by landing on and gathering material from an asteroid some 300 million kilometres (185 million miles) from Earth. Scientists from Japan's space agency JAXA have now planned to extend its mission for more than a decade and have targetted two new asteroids. Before that mission can begin, Hayabusa-2 needs to drop off its precious samples from the asteroid Ryugu -- "dragon palace" in Japanese. Scientists are hoping the capsule will contain around 0.1 grams of material that will offer clues about what the solar system was like at its birth some 4.6 billion years ago. The material is in a capsule that will separate from Hayabusa-2 while it is some 220,000 kilometres above Earth and then plummet into the southern Australian desert. Protected from sunlight and radiation inside the capsule, the samples will be collected, processed, then flown to Japan. Half the material will be shared between JAXA, US space agency NASA and other international organisations, and the rest kept for future study as advances are made in analytic technology. After dropping off its samples, Hayabusa-2 will complete a series of orbits around the sun for around six years -- recording data on dust in interplanetary space and observing exoplanets. It will then approach the first of its target asteroids in July 2026. The probe won't get that close to the asteroid named 2001 CC21, but scientists hope it will be able to photograph it as it completes a "high speed swing-by". Hayabusa-2 will then head towards its main target, 1998 KY26, a ball-shaped asteroid with a diameter of just 30 metres. When the probe arrives at the asteroid in July 2031, it will be approximately 300 million kilometres from Earth Hayabusa-2 will observe and photograph the asteroid, but it is unlikely to land and collect samples, as it probably won't have enough fuel to return them to Earth. The probe is the successor to JAXA's first asteroid explorer "Hayabusa", which means falcon in Japanese. (with inputs)

Japan's Hayabusa-2 space probe to bring asteroid dust to Earth

A team of scientists is working on a technology that could one day stop asteroids from smashing into Earth. The high-precision timers being built by hand in the lab of Latvian start-up Eventech are currently being used to track satellites.

This year, the company won a European Space Agency (ESA) contract to develop timers that will study the possibility of re-directing an asteroid before it comes too close to our planet for comfort.

Although Latvia only became a full member of the ESA in 2016, its engineers have been tracking satellites since the Soviet-era. The University of Latvia even has its own satellite laser ranging station in a forest south of Riga.

NASA plans to launch the first part of the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission -- known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) -- on July 22, 2021 on a Falcon 9 rocket belonging to tech tycoon Elon Musk's Space X.

The 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) camera-equipped probe will fly to an asteroid named Didymos and smash into it, trying to blow it off its current course that will see it pass near&nbsp;Earth sometime in 2123.

Eventech's deep space event timers are being developed for the follow-up HERA mission, which is planned to launch five years later, to determine if the first mission succeeded.

Eventech's timers are part of a space technology tradition in the Baltic state stretching back to Soviet times when Sputnik -- the first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth -- was launched in 1957.

They measure the time needed for an impulse of light to travel to an object in orbit and back.

Eventech devices can record the measurement to within a picosecond -- or one trillionth of a second -- which allows astronomers to convert a time measure into a distance measurement with up to two millimetres of precision.

Around 10 of the timers are produced every year and they are used in observatories around the world.

They track Earth's increasingly crowded atmosphere, filled with a new crop of private satellites alongside traditional scientific and military ones.

Eventech's engineers said they use analogue parts as much as possible, mainly because microchips take nanoseconds to compute the signal, which is too long for incoming measurements ranging in picoseconds.

Even the physical length of the motherboard can affect how fast the signal travels from one circuit to another.

While these timers are used for calculations on Earth, a different appliance for deep space missions is being developed in another corner of the same lab to track planetary objects from a moving space probe.

(with inputs)

A team of scientists is working on a technology that could one day stop asteroids from smashing into Earth. The high-precision timers being built by hand in the lab of Latvian start-up Eventech are currently being used to track satellites.

A team of scientists is working on a technology that could one day stop asteroids from smashing into Earth. The high-precision timers being built by hand in the lab of Latvian start-up Eventech are currently being used to track satellites. This year, the company won a European Space Agency (ESA) contract to develop timers that will study the possibility of re-directing an asteroid before it comes too close to our planet for comfort. Although Latvia only became a full member of the ESA in 2016, its engineers have been tracking satellites since the Soviet-era. The University of Latvia even has its own satellite laser ranging station in a forest south of Riga. NASA plans to launch the first part of the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission -- known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) -- on July 22, 2021 on a Falcon 9 rocket belonging to tech tycoon Elon Musk's Space X. The 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) camera-equipped probe will fly to an asteroid named Didymos and smash into it, trying to blow it off its current course that will see it pass near Earth sometime in 2123. Eventech's deep space event timers are being developed for the follow-up HERA mission, which is planned to launch five years later, to determine if the first mission succeeded. Eventech's timers are part of a space technology tradition in the Baltic state stretching back to Soviet times when Sputnik -- the first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth -- was launched in 1957. They measure the time needed for an impulse of light to travel to an object in orbit and back. Eventech devices can record the measurement to within a picosecond -- or one trillionth of a second -- which allows astronomers to convert a time measure into a distance measurement with up to two millimetres of precision. Around 10 of the timers are produced every year and they are used in observatories around the world. They track Earth's increasingly crowded atmosphere, filled with a new crop of private satellites alongside traditional scientific and military ones. Eventech's engineers said they use analogue parts as much as possible, mainly because microchips take nanoseconds to compute the signal, which is too long for incoming measurements ranging in picoseconds. Even the physical length of the motherboard can affect how fast the signal travels from one circuit to another. While these timers are used for calculations on Earth, a different appliance for deep space missions is being developed in another corner of the same lab to track planetary objects from a moving space probe. (with inputs)

A lab in Latvia is developing a device to help Earth dodge asteroids

A large asteroid – named (153201) 2000 WO107 – will sweep past Earth in late November, providing astronomers with a good opportunity to study it. Closest approach to Earth will happen on November 29, 2020.&nbsp;

The asteroid is expected to be a real monster, estimated to range anywhere between 12,00ft to 2,5700ft across (370m and 820m).

To put this into perspective, the rogue space rock at it widest is almost the height of Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper.

The building, found in the United Arab Emirates city has been the world's tallest since 2009 when it took the title from the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

NASA has also forecast how the asteroid is currently speeding through space at a whopping 25.07km/s – the equivalent of 56,000mph.

The asteroid will not be visible to the eye, but people with small telescopes might catch it. Astronomers are gearing up to observe this asteroid further, in part because of its relatively large size, and in part, because subsequent passes of 2000 WO107 will be closer than this year’s pass.

NASA defines a Near-Earth Object (NEO) as any asteroid or comet coming within 1.3 AU of Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

A large asteroid – named (153201) 2000 WO107 – will sweep past Earth in late November, providing astronomers with a good opportunity to study it. Closest approach to Earth will happen on November 29, 2020.

A large asteroid – named (153201) 2000 WO107 – will sweep past Earth in late November, providing astronomers with a good opportunity to study it. Closest approach to Earth will happen on November 29, 2020. The asteroid is expected to be a real monster, estimated to range anywhere between 12,00ft to 2,5700ft across (370m and 820m). To put this into perspective, the rogue space rock at it widest is almost the height of Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa skyscraper. The building, found in the United Arab Emirates city has been the world's tallest since 2009 when it took the title from the Taipei 101 in Taiwan. NASA has also forecast how the asteroid is currently speeding through space at a whopping 25.07km/s – the equivalent of 56,000mph. The asteroid will not be visible to the eye, but people with small telescopes might catch it. Astronomers are gearing up to observe this asteroid further, in part because of its relatively large size, and in part, because subsequent passes of 2000 WO107 will be closer than this year’s pass. NASA defines a Near-Earth Object (NEO) as any asteroid or comet coming within 1.3 AU of Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid size of Burj Khalifa set to collide with Earth’s orbit next week

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has been used to study a rare metallic asteroid, named Psyche 16, during two points of its rotation. The investigation has given interesting results.

The new study, which was published this week in The Planetary Science Journal, indicates that asteroid’s composition is key to its astronomical value.

The value when written out in full comes out to be $10,000,000,000,000,000,000. This makes Psyche 70,000 times more valuable than the global economy, worth about $142 trillion in 2019.

Also, the said asteroid could have been a protoplanet. Researchers said, "The Earth has a metallic core, a mantle and a crust. It is possible that during the formation of a protoplanet Psyche, it was struck by another object in our solar system and lost its mantle and crust."

The asteroid is the largest piece of space debris in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is currently about 230 million miles from Earth in the Solar System’s main asteroid belt.

NASA plans to send a spacecraft into orbit around the asteroid. The mission, named Psyche, will launch in 2022, with the spacecraft reaching the asteroid in 2026.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has been used to study a rare metallic asteroid, named Psyche 16, during two points of its rotation. The investigation has given interesting results.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has been used to study a rare metallic asteroid, named Psyche 16, during two points of its rotation. The investigation has given interesting results. The new study, which was published this week in The Planetary Science Journal, indicates that asteroid’s composition is key to its astronomical value. The value when written out in full comes out to be $10,000,000,000,000,000,000. This makes Psyche 70,000 times more valuable than the global economy, worth about $142 trillion in 2019. Also, the said asteroid could have been a protoplanet. Researchers said, "The Earth has a metallic core, a mantle and a crust. It is possible that during the formation of a protoplanet Psyche, it was struck by another object in our solar system and lost its mantle and crust." The asteroid is the largest piece of space debris in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is currently about 230 million miles from Earth in the Solar System’s main asteroid belt. NASA plans to send a spacecraft into orbit around the asteroid. The mission, named Psyche, will launch in 2022, with the spacecraft reaching the asteroid in 2026.

Hubble telescope gives closer look at rare asteroid worth 70,000 times the global economy

The historic collection of a sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has become a victim of its own success.

The US probe that collected a sample from the asteroid earlier this week retrieved so much material that a rock is wedged in the container door, allowing rocks to spill back out into space, NASA officials said on Friday.

The robotic arm of the probe, OSIRIS-REx, on Tuesday night kicked up a debris cloud of rocks on Bennu, a skyscraper-sized asteroid some 200 million miles (320 million km) from Earth and trapped the material in a collection device for the return to Earth.

But images of the spacecraft's collection head beamed back to ground control revealed it had caught more material than scientists anticipated and was spewing an excess of flaky asteroid rocks into space.

The leakage had the OSIRIS-REx mission team scrambling to stow the collection device to prevent additional spillage.

The team isn't sure of the exact loss rate because it's not steady.

If this continues, NASA will not know how much material it collected until the sample capsule returns in 2023.&nbsp;

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.

The spacecraft won't begin its journey back to Earth until March 2021

The historic collection of a sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has become a victim of its own success. The US probe that collected a sample from the asteroid earlier this week retrieved so much material that a rock is wedged in the container door, allowing rocks to spill back out into space, NASA officials said on Friday.

The historic collection of a sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has become a victim of its own success. The US probe that collected a sample from the asteroid earlier this week retrieved so much material that a rock is wedged in the container door, allowing rocks to spill back out into space, NASA officials said on Friday. The robotic arm of the probe, OSIRIS-REx, on Tuesday night kicked up a debris cloud of rocks on Bennu, a skyscraper-sized asteroid some 200 million miles (320 million km) from Earth and trapped the material in a collection device for the return to Earth. But images of the spacecraft's collection head beamed back to ground control revealed it had caught more material than scientists anticipated and was spewing an excess of flaky asteroid rocks into space. The leakage had the OSIRIS-REx mission team scrambling to stow the collection device to prevent additional spillage. The team isn't sure of the exact loss rate because it's not steady. If this continues, NASA will not know how much material it collected until the sample capsule returns in 2023. 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. The spacecraft won't begin its journey back to Earth until March 2021

NASA collected an asteroid sample. But some of it is leaking into space

An expert at NASA has claimed that a newly discovered object approaching the Earth is actually an old rocket from a failed lunar mission.

This comes after speculation earlier this month the object would become a new “mini-moon” and join other small asteroids in getting trapped in our planet’s orbit.

The new object, dubbed 2020 SO, is expected to fall into our orbit, where it will spin from mid-October to May 2021.

It is believed 2020 SO is actually the Centaur upper rocket stage that propelled NASA’s Surveyor 2 lander to the moon.

The rocket took flight in 1966, and ended up crashing on the surface of the moon after one of its thrusters failed to fire up approach the rock. It has since remained in space as floating debris.

Current estimates put the size of the object between roughly six and 14 metres in length -- based on its observed brightness.

It won’t get very close and is on a “highly-chaotic path,” wrote orbit simulator Tony Dunn on Twitter. In fact, projections suggest it will pass by Earth on Dec. 1 at a distance of about 50,000 kilometres, and later in February at about 220,000 kilometres.

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Asteroid 2020 SO may get captured by Earth from Oct 2020 - May 2021. Current nominal trajectory shows shows capture through L2, and escape through L1. Highly-chaotic path, so be prepared for lots of revisions as new observations come in. <a href="https://twitter.com/renerpho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@renerpho</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nrco0e?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrco0e</a> <a href="https://t.co/h4JaG2rHEd">https://t.co/h4JaG2rHEd</a> <a href="https://t.co/RfUaeLtEWq">pic.twitter.com/RfUaeLtEWq</a>
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An expert at NASA has claimed that a newly discovered object approaching the Earth is actually an old rocket from a failed lunar mission. This comes after speculation earlier this month the object would become a new “mini-moon” and join other small asteroids in getting trapped in our planet’s orbit.

An expert at NASA has claimed that a newly discovered object approaching the Earth is actually an old rocket from a failed lunar mission. This comes after speculation earlier this month the object would become a new “mini-moon” and join other small asteroids in getting trapped in our planet’s orbit. The new object, dubbed 2020 SO, is expected to fall into our orbit, where it will spin from mid-October to May 2021. It is believed 2020 SO is actually the Centaur upper rocket stage that propelled NASA’s Surveyor 2 lander to the moon. The rocket took flight in 1966, and ended up crashing on the surface of the moon after one of its thrusters failed to fire up approach the rock. It has since remained in space as floating debris. Current estimates put the size of the object between roughly six and 14 metres in length -- based on its observed brightness. It won’t get very close and is on a “highly-chaotic path,” wrote orbit simulator Tony Dunn on Twitter. In fact, projections suggest it will pass by Earth on Dec. 1 at a distance of about 50,000 kilometres, and later in February at about 220,000 kilometres. Asteroid 2020 SO may get captured by Earth from Oct 2020 - May 2021. Current nominal trajectory shows shows capture through L2, and escape through L1. Highly-chaotic path, so be prepared for lots of revisions as new observations come in. @renerpho @nrco0e https://t.co/h4JaG2rHEd pic.twitter.com/RfUaeLtEWq — Tony Dunn (@tony873004) September 20, 2020 ×

NASA identifies space rock approaching Earth as junk from 1966 rocket launch

Asteroid collision with Earth - US space agency NASA has said that an asteroid will fly past the Earth on Thursday which would be just 28,254 km from the Earth's surface.&nbsp;

Watch:

<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>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The asteroid would be speeding at around 27, 900 km per hour, the space agency said.</div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-heading-towards-earth-a-day-before-us-elections-nasa-322513">Also Read:&nbsp;Asteroid heading towards Earth a day before US elections</a>

The asteroid named 2020 SW is around 15 to 30 feet wide, the NASA scientists said, which is roughly the size of a small bus.

The rock which was discovered just last week will continue on its journey around the Sun and wouldn't return to the Earth's atmosphere before 2041, scientists said.

According to EarthSky, the asteroid is so small that the Earth's gravity is expected to change the rock's course when it goes past the Earth. However, it will be a close call as it will pass just 7 per cent of the Moon’s distance and will be passing closer than geostationary satellites which are placed 35,888 km from our planet’s surface.&nbsp;

However, EarthSky said that "there is no risk of impact." The rocks is expected to be at its closet when it passes over Australia or New Zealand.

However, there is bad news for stargazers as it won't be visible through the naked eye but can be viewed through a 6 or 8-inch diameter telescope and is likely to increase in brightness as it approaches the Earth.

"The space rock is currently in the constellation of Pegasus the Flying Horse, and will then move to the constellation of Pisces the Fish," EarthSky said.

Asteroid collision with Earth - US space agency NASA has said that an asteroid will fly past the Earth on Thursday which would be just 28,254 km from the Earth's surface.

Asteroid collision with Earth - US space agency NASA has said that an asteroid will fly past the Earth on Thursday which would be just 28,254 km from the Earth's surface. Watch: The asteroid would be speeding at around 27, 900 km per hour, the space agency said. Also Read: Asteroid heading towards Earth a day before US elections The asteroid named 2020 SW is around 15 to 30 feet wide, the NASA scientists said, which is roughly the size of a small bus. The rock which was discovered just last week will continue on its journey around the Sun and wouldn't return to the Earth's atmosphere before 2041, scientists said. According to EarthSky, the asteroid is so small that the Earth's gravity is expected to change the rock's course when it goes past the Earth. However, it will be a close call as it will pass just 7 per cent of the Moon’s distance and will be passing closer than geostationary satellites which are placed 35,888 km from our planet’s surface. However, EarthSky said that "there is no risk of impact." The rocks is expected to be at its closet when it passes over Australia or New Zealand. However, there is bad news for stargazers as it won't be visible through the naked eye but can be viewed through a 6 or 8-inch diameter telescope and is likely to increase in brightness as it approaches the Earth. "The space rock is currently in the constellation of Pegasus the Flying Horse, and will then move to the constellation of Pisces the Fish," EarthSky said.

Asteroid alert: Space rock to zip past Earth today, will be closer than geostationary satellites

After a car-sized asteroid went past the Earth, NASA scientists say an asteroid twice the size of&nbsp;the Great Pyramid of Giza is set to hit the&nbsp;Earth's orbit on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/students-from-gujarat-in-india-spot-an-asteroid-heading-towards-earth-316642">Also Read: Students from Gujarat in India spot an asteroid heading towards Earth</a>

The asteroid called the "Near-Earth Object" will be entering the Earth's orbit on September 6, according to NASA scientists.

The huge object is reportedly travelling at a speed of 31,400mph. The scientists have reportedly been tracking it since 2010. The asteroid, dubbed 465824 (2010 FR), will be 4.6 million miles away from the Earth and poses no threat to our planet, however, it has been classified as "close approach"&nbsp;by NASA.

The asteroid is reported to be 120-270 metres in diameter which is twice as big as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

An SUV-sized asteroid had passed Earth's orbit last month which was 1,830 miles away, the closest an asteroid has ever been observed passing the planet.

The asteroid named "2020 QG" was reportedly three to six meters long moving at nearly eight miles per second, the scientists had said.

NASA had said that similarly sized asteroids pass by Earth at a similar distance a few times per year, however, they are&nbsp;difficult to record, unless they&nbsp;head&nbsp;directly towards the planet, in which case the explosion in the atmosphere is usually noticed.

After a car-sized asteroid went past the Earth, NASA scientists say an asteroid twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza is set to hit the Earth's orbit on Sunday.

After a car-sized asteroid went past the Earth, NASA scientists say an asteroid twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza is set to hit the Earth's orbit on Sunday. Also Read: Students from Gujarat in India spot an asteroid heading towards Earth The asteroid called the "Near-Earth Object" will be entering the Earth's orbit on September 6, according to NASA scientists. The huge object is reportedly travelling at a speed of 31,400mph. The scientists have reportedly been tracking it since 2010. The asteroid, dubbed 465824 (2010 FR), will be 4.6 million miles away from the Earth and poses no threat to our planet, however, it has been classified as "close approach" by NASA. The asteroid is reported to be 120-270 metres in diameter which is twice as big as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. An SUV-sized asteroid had passed Earth's orbit last month which was 1,830 miles away, the closest an asteroid has ever been observed passing the planet. The asteroid named "2020 QG" was reportedly three to six meters long moving at nearly eight miles per second, the scientists had said. NASA had said that similarly sized asteroids pass by Earth at a similar distance a few times per year, however, they are difficult to record, unless they head directly towards the planet, in which case the explosion in the atmosphere is usually noticed.

Asteroid bigger than Great Pyramid of Giza to hit Earth's orbit this week

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

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

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

Asteroid heading towards Earth a day before US elections: NASA

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

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

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

Students from Gujarat in India spot an asteroid heading towards Earth

Two teenage schoolgirls Vaidehi Vekariya and Radhika Lakhani in India discovered an asteroid near Mars, a space education institute in India reported recently.

Young minds take lead in space missions | Indian teenagers discover asteroid near Mars

Two teenage girls from India have discovered an Earth-bound asteroid by poring through images from a University of Hawaii telescope, an Indian space education institute said on Monday.

The asteroid is presently near Mars and its orbit is expected to cross that of Earth in about one million years` time, said SPACE India, a private institute where the two 14-year-old girls received training.

"I look forward to... when we will get a chance to name the asteroid," said Vaidehi Vekariya, who added that she wants to become an astronaut when she is older.

The asteroid, currently called HLV2514, may be officially christened only after NASA confirms its orbit, a SPACE India spokeswoman said.

Radhika Lakhani, the other student, said she was working hard on her education. "I don`t even have a TV at home, so that I can concentrate on my studies."

Asteroids and comets pose a potential threat to Earth, and scientists discover thousands of them each year. In 2013, an asteroid heavier than the Eiffel Tower exploded over central Russia, leaving more than 1,000 people injured from its shockwave.

The two girls, who hail from Surat, discovered the object as part of an asteroid search campaign conducted by SPACE India along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a NASA-affiliated citizen scientist group.

IASC Director J. Patrick Miller confirmed the discovery, according to an email from him to the girls seen by Reuters. 
The girls used specialised software to analyse the images snapped by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, and made the discovery in June, SPACE India said.

The institute is among the few private space education initiatives in India, a country known for championing low-cost space technology that has spurred missions to the moon and Mars.

Two teenage girls from India have discovered an Earth-bound asteroid by poring through images from a University of Hawaii telescope, an Indian space education institute said on Monday.

Two teenage girls from India have discovered an Earth-bound asteroid by poring through images from a University of Hawaii telescope, an Indian space education institute said on Monday. The asteroid is presently near Mars and its orbit is expected to cross that of Earth in about one million years` time, said SPACE India, a private institute where the two 14-year-old girls received training. "I look forward to... when we will get a chance to name the asteroid," said Vaidehi Vekariya, who added that she wants to become an astronaut when she is older. The asteroid, currently called HLV2514, may be officially christened only after NASA confirms its orbit, a SPACE India spokeswoman said. Radhika Lakhani, the other student, said she was working hard on her education. "I don`t even have a TV at home, so that I can concentrate on my studies." Asteroids and comets pose a potential threat to Earth, and scientists discover thousands of them each year. In 2013, an asteroid heavier than the Eiffel Tower exploded over central Russia, leaving more than 1,000 people injured from its shockwave. The two girls, who hail from Surat, discovered the object as part of an asteroid search campaign conducted by SPACE India along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a NASA-affiliated citizen scientist group. IASC Director J. Patrick Miller confirmed the discovery, according to an email from him to the girls seen by Reuters. The girls used specialised software to analyse the images snapped by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, and made the discovery in June, SPACE India said. The institute is among the few private space education initiatives in India, a country known for championing low-cost space technology that has spurred missions to the moon and Mars.

School girls in India discover Earth-bound asteroid

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