The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons.&nbsp;

According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids".

Because of the ultra-accurate astrometric data of the telescope, the scientists were able to find signs of tiny rocks flying around huge asteroids.&nbsp;

According to the ESA, this also proves the ability of Gaia to conduct 'blind' searches for finding unknown candidates and work like an asteroid explorer.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-issues-sudden-alert-as-massive-asteroid-rushes-to-come-too-close-to-earth-at-scary-speed-749113">NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed</a>

After the findings are confirmed, the 352 binary asteroid candidates will be added to the list.&nbsp;

Scientists are interested in binary asteroids because they have clues about the ancient universe and help astronomers study how various bodies were formed in space.

<h2>Why are binary asteroids important for scientists?</h2>

The study's lead author, Luana Liberato, said that it is difficult to find the binary asteroids because of their small size and huge distance.

“Binary asteroids are difficult to find as they are mostly so small and far away from us,” Liberato said.

"Despite us expecting just under one-sixth of asteroids to have a companion, so far we have only found 500 of the million known asteroids to be in binary systems. But this discovery shows that there are many asteroid moons out there just waiting to be found," said Liberato who is also an astronomer&nbsp;at France's Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur.

Since 2013, Gaia has been an asteroid explorer and has all-sky scanning capabilities, because of which it has made various remarkable asteroid&nbsp;discoveries.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

By studying these moon-asteroid pairs, scientists can improve their knowledge of the gravitational interactions that influence their stability and orbits.

“Binary asteroids have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their interesting properties and the significant impact they have on our understanding of the solar system,” the study authors stated.

“Unlike single asteroids, binary systems offer unique insights into many fundamental processes, including the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, collision dynamics, and gravitational interactions," they added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons. According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids".

The Gaia telescope of the European Space Agency has spotted 352 asteroids around potential moons. According to the scientists, these asteroids did not have any companions and hence were what is known as "binary asteroids". Because of the ultra-accurate astrometric data of the telescope, the scientists were able to find signs of tiny rocks flying around huge asteroids. According to the ESA, this also proves the ability of Gaia to conduct 'blind' searches for finding unknown candidates and work like an asteroid explorer. Also Read: NASA issues sudden alert as massive asteroid rushes to come too close to Earth at scary speed After the findings are confirmed, the 352 binary asteroid candidates will be added to the list. Scientists are interested in binary asteroids because they have clues about the ancient universe and help astronomers study how various bodies were formed in space. Why are binary asteroids important for scientists? The study's lead author, Luana Liberato, said that it is difficult to find the binary asteroids because of their small size and huge distance. “Binary asteroids are difficult to find as they are mostly so small and far away from us,” Liberato said. "Despite us expecting just under one-sixth of asteroids to have a companion, so far we have only found 500 of the million known asteroids to be in binary systems. But this discovery shows that there are many asteroid moons out there just waiting to be found," said Liberato who is also an astronomer at France's Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur. Since 2013, Gaia has been an asteroid explorer and has all-sky scanning capabilities, because of which it has made various remarkable asteroid discoveries. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds By studying these moon-asteroid pairs, scientists can improve their knowledge of the gravitational interactions that influence their stability and orbits. “Binary asteroids have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their interesting properties and the significant impact they have on our understanding of the solar system,” the study authors stated. “Unlike single asteroids, binary systems offer unique insights into many fundamental processes, including the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, collision dynamics, and gravitational interactions," they added. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons

The thin and elusive atmosphere of the Moon has puzzled astronomers for centuries.&nbsp;

There is a definite lack of breathable air on the satellite, however, it does have a thin film of atoms that are found skittering along its craggy surface.&nbsp;

In scientific terms, this is called an “exosphere” which is a tenuous atmosphere that has been a topic of intrigue for all astronomers since it was first found in the 1980s.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-is-going-far-away-from-the-earth-will-it-disappear-soon-from-night-sky-746236">Moon is going far away from the Earth. Will it disappear soon from night sky?</a>

Assistant professor in MIT’s&nbsp;Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Nicole Nie said that unique insights have now been found in the atmosphere of the Moon.&nbsp;

The study was carried out by Nie along with her team at the University of Chicago&nbsp;and NASA&nbsp;Goddard Space Flight Centre.

<h2>Here's what scientists found about Moon's elusive atmosphere&nbsp;</h2>

The team of scientists in the research found that the atmosphere of the Moon has undergone a bombarding of the meteorites which has led to the phenomenon known as "impact vaporization."&nbsp;

In this process, the impact kicks up the lunar soil and leads to the vaporising materials which either escape to space or remain in a suspended position in the atmosphere of the moon which renews its exosphere.

"We give a definitive answer that meteorite impact vaporisation is the dominant process that creates the lunar atmosphere," said team leader Nicole Nie, an assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

"The&nbsp;moon is close to 4.5 billion years old, and through that time, the surface has been continuously bombarded by meteorites. We show that eventually, a thin atmosphere reaches a steady state because it's being continuously replenished by&nbsp;small impacts all over the moon," Nie said

"With impact vaporisation, most of the atoms would stay in the lunar atmosphere, whereas with ion sputtering, a lot of atoms would be ejected into space," she added.

<h2>Here's how the study opens avenues for exploration of Moon's atmosphere&nbsp;</h2>

Commenting on the study, lunar soils researcher at Cambridge University Justin Hu said, "The discovery of such a subtle effect is remarkable, thanks to the innovative idea of combining potassium and rubidium isotope measurements along with careful, quantitative modelling."

&nbsp;"This discovery goes beyond understanding the&nbsp;moon's history, as such processes could occur and might be more significant on other moons and asteroids, which are the focus of many planned return missions," he added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Moon Drifting Away From Earth Approximately 3.8 Centimeter Per Year - Study

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moon-drifting-away-from-earth-approximately-38-centimeter-per-year-study-746720/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The groundbreaking study has now opened a new avenue of astronomy.&nbsp;

“Without these Apollo samples, we would not be able to get precise data and measure quantitatively to understand things in more detail,” Nie said.

“It’s important for us to bring samples back from the moon and other&nbsp;planetary bodies, so we can draw clearer pictures of the solar system’s formation and evolution," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The thin and elusive atmosphere of the Moon has puzzled astronomers for centuries. There is a definite lack of breathable air on the satellite, however, it does have a thin film of atoms that are found skittering along its craggy surface.

The thin and elusive atmosphere of the Moon has puzzled astronomers for centuries. There is a definite lack of breathable air on the satellite, however, it does have a thin film of atoms that are found skittering along its craggy surface. In scientific terms, this is called an “exosphere” which is a tenuous atmosphere that has been a topic of intrigue for all astronomers since it was first found in the 1980s. Also Read: Moon is going far away from the Earth. Will it disappear soon from night sky? Assistant professor in MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Nicole Nie said that unique insights have now been found in the atmosphere of the Moon. The study was carried out by Nie along with her team at the University of Chicago and NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre. Here's what scientists found about Moon's elusive atmosphere The team of scientists in the research found that the atmosphere of the Moon has undergone a bombarding of the meteorites which has led to the phenomenon known as "impact vaporization." In this process, the impact kicks up the lunar soil and leads to the vaporising materials which either escape to space or remain in a suspended position in the atmosphere of the moon which renews its exosphere. "We give a definitive answer that meteorite impact vaporisation is the dominant process that creates the lunar atmosphere," said team leader Nicole Nie, an assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in a statement. "The moon is close to 4.5 billion years old, and through that time, the surface has been continuously bombarded by meteorites. We show that eventually, a thin atmosphere reaches a steady state because it's being continuously replenished by small impacts all over the moon," Nie said "With impact vaporisation, most of the atoms would stay in the lunar atmosphere, whereas with ion sputtering, a lot of atoms would be ejected into space," she added. Here's how the study opens avenues for exploration of Moon's atmosphere Commenting on the study, lunar soils researcher at Cambridge University Justin Hu said, "The discovery of such a subtle effect is remarkable, thanks to the innovative idea of combining potassium and rubidium isotope measurements along with careful, quantitative modelling." "This discovery goes beyond understanding the moon's history, as such processes could occur and might be more significant on other moons and asteroids, which are the focus of many planned return missions," he added. Watch: Moon Drifting Away From Earth Approximately 3.8 Centimeter Per Year - Study The groundbreaking study has now opened a new avenue of astronomy. “Without these Apollo samples, we would not be able to get precise data and measure quantitatively to understand things in more detail,” Nie said. “It’s important for us to bring samples back from the moon and other planetary bodies, so we can draw clearer pictures of the solar system’s formation and evolution," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Bombarding of asteroids may have made Moon's atmosphere elusive, almost non-existent': Study

An asteroid as large as a stadium is moving towards Earth and will soon fly by our planet. Its massive size and the distance at which it will travel mean that it is considered potentially dangerous. The latest warning has been issued by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as part of its Asteroid Watch programme. Asteroid 2011 AM24 is a whopping 880 feet in size and will make its closest approach to Earth on July 26. It will be 4,010,000 million miles from us at its nearest point. It is moving at a relative speed of 22320 km/hour and has been classified by NASA as a near-Earth object (NEO) and belongs to the Apollo group of these space bodies.&nbsp;

It is a big asteroid and is coming pretty close as well. But does it pose any threat to Earth? Going by NASA's criteria for classifying Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs), it does. The space agency says that asteroids that won't get closer than 4,650,000 million miles to Earth or are smaller than about 140 metres, that is around 460 feet, don't pose a threat. But the 2011 AM24 is 880 feet and is travelling a lot closer than deemed safe.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, July 26 will also see another asteroid hurtling towards us. While this one isn't as big in size, it will come extremely close to us. Asteroid 2024 MH1 is 91 feet long and also belongs to the Apollo group of these space rocks. It will be 1,115,952 million miles from Earth at its closest point and is moving at a relative velocity of 20,916 km/hr. This one will be even closer to us but is extremely small.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-apophis-might-experience-landslides-when-it-crosses-earth-experts-say-741643">Landslides on asteroid? Apophis might witness a few when it crosses Earth, experts say</a>

<h2> 
Why does NASA monitor asteroids?</h2>

 
Asteroids can cause major destruction to planets, as witnessed in the past. NASA regularly monitors them to keep a check on those space bodies that might threaten the safety of Earth. Besides protecting the planet against any such scenario, monitoring them also lets NASA study these celestial visitors. By learning about their movement and travel patterns, scientists can devise ways to create safety plans in case a potentially hazardous asteroid threatens Earth.&nbsp;

The DART is one such mission where scientists worked to understand if they can hit an asteroid before it strikes us. As part of the mission, scientists hit an asteroid to better understand how an asteroid can be deflected in the future. The DART mission broke the asteroid into several pieces, many of which are likely to hit Mars.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

An asteroid as large as a stadium is moving towards Earth and will soon fly by our planet. Its massive size and the distance at which it will travel mean that it is considered potentially dangerous.

An asteroid as large as a stadium is moving towards Earth and will soon fly by our planet. Its massive size and the distance at which it will travel mean that it is considered potentially dangerous. The latest warning has been issued by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as part of its Asteroid Watch programme. Asteroid 2011 AM24 is a whopping 880 feet in size and will make its closest approach to Earth on July 26. It will be 4,010,000 million miles from us at its nearest point. It is moving at a relative speed of 22320 km/hour and has been classified by NASA as a near-Earth object (NEO) and belongs to the Apollo group of these space bodies. It is a big asteroid and is coming pretty close as well. But does it pose any threat to Earth? Going by NASA's criteria for classifying Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs), it does. The space agency says that asteroids that won't get closer than 4,650,000 million miles to Earth or are smaller than about 140 metres, that is around 460 feet, don't pose a threat. But the 2011 AM24 is 880 feet and is travelling a lot closer than deemed safe. Meanwhile, July 26 will also see another asteroid hurtling towards us. While this one isn't as big in size, it will come extremely close to us. Asteroid 2024 MH1 is 91 feet long and also belongs to the Apollo group of these space rocks. It will be 1,115,952 million miles from Earth at its closest point and is moving at a relative velocity of 20,916 km/hr. This one will be even closer to us but is extremely small. Also Read: Landslides on asteroid? Apophis might witness a few when it crosses Earth, experts say Why does NASA monitor asteroids? Asteroids can cause major destruction to planets, as witnessed in the past. NASA regularly monitors them to keep a check on those space bodies that might threaten the safety of Earth. Besides protecting the planet against any such scenario, monitoring them also lets NASA study these celestial visitors. By learning about their movement and travel patterns, scientists can devise ways to create safety plans in case a potentially hazardous asteroid threatens Earth. The DART is one such mission where scientists worked to understand if they can hit an asteroid before it strikes us. As part of the mission, scientists hit an asteroid to better understand how an asteroid can be deflected in the future. The DART mission broke the asteroid into several pieces, many of which are likely to hit Mars.

NASA warns of 880ft asteroid that will come dangerously close to Earth this week

NASA's latest asteroid alert is about an aeroplane-sized space rock hurtling towards Earth at a speed of 73,055 km/hr. The space agency has released a list of asteroids that will come close to our planet in the next 8-9 days. The biggest of these is the 220-foot (67 metre) asteroid named 2024 NF. It will make its closest approach to Earth on July 17.&nbsp;

<h2>Does it pose a danger to Earth?</h2>

As per NASA, only those space bodies that make an approach as close as 4.6 million miles and are bigger than 150 metres&nbsp;in size pose a danger. However, since asteroid 2024 NF is only about 67 metres in size, it is not going to cause any damage. Notably, the asteroid will come as close as three million miles, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory data.&nbsp;

NASA regularly keeps an eye out for near-Earth objects that can pose a danger. There are four more asteroids that are going to come close to Earth in the coming days. But their sheer size means that they will not cause any harm.&nbsp;

Asteroid 2024 BY15 is approaching Earth on July 16 and will be 3.85 million miles from Earth at its closest point.&nbsp;

Asteroid 2024 NJ3 will be extremely close to Earth at 762,000 miles on July 17, but it is merely 47 feet in length.&nbsp;

On July 21, another asteroid will fly close by. Asteroid 2024 MG1, 55 metres in length, will be 2.64 million miles away from Earth.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-stunning-images-of-a-space-get-away-captured-by-webb-and-chandra-741018">NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra</a>

<h2>Why does NASA monitor asteroids?</h2>

Asteroids have the ability to cause major destruction to planets. The space agency regularly keeps an eye on near-Earth objects which can be classified as hazardous based on criteria. Besides protecting the planet against any impending doom, monitoring asteroids also lets NASA study these celestial visitors. By learning about their movement and travel patterns, scientists can devise ways to create safety plans for the future in case a potentially hazardous asteroid threatens Earth.&nbsp;

The DART is one such mission which aims to destroy an asteroid in the event of it becoming a threat to our planet. As part of the mission, scientists hit an asteroid to better understand how an asteroid can be deflected in the future. The DART mission broke the asteroid into several pieces, many of which are likely to hit Mars.&nbsp;

NASA's latest asteroid alert is about an aeroplane-sized space rock hurtling towards Earth at a speed of 73,055 km/hr. The space agency has released a list of asteroids that will come close to our planet in the next 8-9 days.

NASA's latest asteroid alert is about an aeroplane-sized space rock hurtling towards Earth at a speed of 73,055 km/hr. The space agency has released a list of asteroids that will come close to our planet in the next 8-9 days. The biggest of these is the 220-foot (67 metre) asteroid named 2024 NF. It will make its closest approach to Earth on July 17. Does it pose a danger to Earth? As per NASA, only those space bodies that make an approach as close as 4.6 million miles and are bigger than 150 metres in size pose a danger. However, since asteroid 2024 NF is only about 67 metres in size, it is not going to cause any damage. Notably, the asteroid will come as close as three million miles, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory data. NASA regularly keeps an eye out for near-Earth objects that can pose a danger. There are four more asteroids that are going to come close to Earth in the coming days. But their sheer size means that they will not cause any harm. Asteroid 2024 BY15 is approaching Earth on July 16 and will be 3.85 million miles from Earth at its closest point. Asteroid 2024 NJ3 will be extremely close to Earth at 762,000 miles on July 17, but it is merely 47 feet in length. On July 21, another asteroid will fly close by. Asteroid 2024 MG1, 55 metres in length, will be 2.64 million miles away from Earth. Also Read: NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra Why does NASA monitor asteroids? Asteroids have the ability to cause major destruction to planets. The space agency regularly keeps an eye on near-Earth objects which can be classified as hazardous based on criteria. Besides protecting the planet against any impending doom, monitoring asteroids also lets NASA study these celestial visitors. By learning about their movement and travel patterns, scientists can devise ways to create safety plans for the future in case a potentially hazardous asteroid threatens Earth. The DART is one such mission which aims to destroy an asteroid in the event of it becoming a threat to our planet. As part of the mission, scientists hit an asteroid to better understand how an asteroid can be deflected in the future. The DART mission broke the asteroid into several pieces, many of which are likely to hit Mars.

Asteroid 2024 NF hurtling towards Earth will come extremely close on this date

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data.&nbsp;

According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across.

Study's co-lead Geraldine Zenhaeusern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone. Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates."

This new analysis of the data collected by a seismometer on&nbsp;Mars&nbsp;has emphasised that space rocks have been hitting Mars more frequently than ever thought.

Based on the number of nearby impact-related tremors found by the Mars InSight lander, the scientists estimated that the planet must be facing smashing by rocks which are the size of a basketball almost every day.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-suggests-quakes-on-mars-hiding-water-secrets-of-red-planet-hints-at-possibility-of-life-735586">Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life</a>

Co-lead author Geraldine Zenhausern&nbsp;of ETH Zurich and planetary scientist in Switzerland Geraldine Zenhausern&nbsp;said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone."&nbsp;

"Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates," he added.

<h2>Here's what craters tell about Mars' asteroid thrashing session</h2>

The speed at which a crater is formed on a planetary surface helps in understanding how old has the surface been.

Surfaces which have more craters are believed to be older in comparison to those with fewer craters. "By using seismic data to better understand how often meteorites hit Mars and how these impacts change its surface, we can start piecing together a timeline of the red planet's geological history and evolution,"&nbsp;said planetary scientist and co-lead author Natalia Wojcicka&nbsp;of Imperial College London.

"You could think of it as a sort of 'cosmic clock' to help us date Martian surfaces, and maybe, further down the line, other planets in the Solar System," she added.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth's days may be getting little longer: Unveiling the planet's mysteries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earths-days-may-be-getting-little-longer-unveiling-the-planets-mysteries-731789/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Mars is located close to the&nbsp;asteroid&nbsp;belt which lies between its orbit and the orbit of&nbsp;Jupiter and hence, has a lot of rocks in the vicinity which may have led to a high impact rate.

"While new craters can best be seen on flat and dusty terrain where they really stand out, this type of terrain covers less than half of the surface of Mars,"&nbsp;said Zenhausern. "The sensitive InSight seismometer, however, could hear every single impact within the landers' range," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data. According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across.

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data. According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across. Study's co-lead Geraldine Zenhaeusern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone. Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates." This new analysis of the data collected by a seismometer on Mars has emphasised that space rocks have been hitting Mars more frequently than ever thought. Based on the number of nearby impact-related tremors found by the Mars InSight lander, the scientists estimated that the planet must be facing smashing by rocks which are the size of a basketball almost every day. Also Read: Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life Co-lead author Geraldine Zenhausern of ETH Zurich and planetary scientist in Switzerland Geraldine Zenhausern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone." "Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates," he added. Here's what craters tell about Mars' asteroid thrashing session The speed at which a crater is formed on a planetary surface helps in understanding how old has the surface been. Surfaces which have more craters are believed to be older in comparison to those with fewer craters. "By using seismic data to better understand how often meteorites hit Mars and how these impacts change its surface, we can start piecing together a timeline of the red planet's geological history and evolution," said planetary scientist and co-lead author Natalia Wojcicka of Imperial College London. "You could think of it as a sort of 'cosmic clock' to help us date Martian surfaces, and maybe, further down the line, other planets in the Solar System," she added. Watch: Earth's days may be getting little longer: Unveiling the planet's mysteries Meanwhile, Mars is located close to the asteroid belt which lies between its orbit and the orbit of Jupiter and hence, has a lot of rocks in the vicinity which may have led to a high impact rate. "While new craters can best be seen on flat and dusty terrain where they really stand out, this type of terrain covers less than half of the surface of Mars," said Zenhausern. "The sensitive InSight seismometer, however, could hear every single impact within the landers' range," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet

Earth has been impacted by multiple space phenomenon in the last few weeks.&nbsp;Numerous asteroid approaches were also witnessed lately.

While these asteroids do not pose a danger like solar storms, they pass Earth very close, making it crucial to observe them to predict any potential collision with our planet. With its advanced technology, NASA has shed light on a 150-foot asteroid that is expected to pass Earth by a narrow margin on March 27.

As per reports by NASA, Asteroid 2024 EA3 is just one of the millions of asteroids that orbit the Sun, and is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies or CNEOS, an organisation that keeps a check on celestial substance like asteroids and comets, revealed that the asteroid will pass by Earth at a distance of 3.14 million kilometres.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/massive-asteroid-led-to-two-billion-craters-on-surface-of-mars-claim-scientists-705186">Massive asteroid led to two billion craters on surface of Mars, claim scientists</a>

It is travelling in its orbit around the Sun at a speed of approximately 38754 kilometres per hour, which is much faster than an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)! It is just one of the two asteroids that have been designated to pass Earth, alongside Asteroid 2024 EL4.

Asteroid 2024 EA3 fit in to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are Earth-crossing space rocks with semi-major axes larger than Earth's. These asteroids are named after the enormous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was found in the 1930s by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth.

How big is it?

While talking about the size, the asteroid is approximately 150 feet wide, NASA says and it can be compared to a large airplane. However, it is not expected to actually impact Earth's surface and cause any damage to life or property but it will come very close to the planet and that is why it has been named as a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/surprising-images-of-black-hole-at-center-of-milky-way-alter-our-understanding-of-black-holes-705103">Surprising images of black hole at centre of Milky Way alter our understanding of black holes</a>

lt comes very close to the planet and that is why it has been named as a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA).

(With inputs from agencies)

Earth has been impacted by multiple space phenomenon in the last few weeks. Numerous asteroid approaches were also witnessed lately. While these asteroids do not pose a danger like solar storms, they pass Earth very close, making it crucial to observe them to predict any potential collision with our planet.

Earth has been impacted by multiple space phenomenon in the last few weeks. Numerous asteroid approaches were also witnessed lately. While these asteroids do not pose a danger like solar storms, they pass Earth very close, making it crucial to observe them to predict any potential collision with our planet. With its advanced technology, NASA has shed light on a 150-foot asteroid that is expected to pass Earth by a narrow margin on March 27. As per reports by NASA, Asteroid 2024 EA3 is just one of the millions of asteroids that orbit the Sun, and is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies or CNEOS, an organisation that keeps a check on celestial substance like asteroids and comets, revealed that the asteroid will pass by Earth at a distance of 3.14 million kilometres. Also read: Massive asteroid led to two billion craters on surface of Mars, claim scientists It is travelling in its orbit around the Sun at a speed of approximately 38754 kilometres per hour, which is much faster than an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)! It is just one of the two asteroids that have been designated to pass Earth, alongside Asteroid 2024 EL4. Asteroid 2024 EA3 fit in to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are Earth-crossing space rocks with semi-major axes larger than Earth's. These asteroids are named after the enormous 1862 Apollo asteroid, which was found in the 1930s by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth. How big is it? While talking about the size, the asteroid is approximately 150 feet wide, NASA says and it can be compared to a large airplane. However, it is not expected to actually impact Earth's surface and cause any damage to life or property but it will come very close to the planet and that is why it has been named as a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA). Also read: Surprising images of black hole at centre of Milky Way alter our understanding of black holes lt comes very close to the planet and that is why it has been named as a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA). (With inputs from agencies)

Trio of massive asteroids approaching earth for another close encounter: All you need to know

In an exploration of the farthest reaches of our solar system, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will uncover vital clues to Neptune's ancient past by scrutinising a pair of icy asteroids -&nbsp;Mors-Somnus&nbsp;

This binary asteroid system consists of two asteroids and is of interest to scientists studying the dynamics and formation of asteroids and planetary bodies. The system will tell about the evolution of the ice giant Neptune and will also give clues on how the Earth got saturated with water.&nbsp;

The binary asteroid system, dubbed Mors-Somnus, was recently unearthed within the icy expanse of the Kuiper Belt,&nbsp;a region of the outer solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune.&nbsp;

Notably, Mors-Somnus is a trans-Neptunian object (TNO), an object in the solar system that orbits the Sun at a greater average distance than Neptune. This includes a wide range of celestial bodies, such as dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets.&nbsp;

Dr. Ana Carolina de Souza Feliciano, a lead researcher of the Disco-TNOs programme at the Florida Space Institute, underscored the importance of this find, stating, "We are studying how the actual chemistry and physics of the TNOs reflect the distribution of molecules based on carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen in the cloud that gave birth to the planets, their moons, and the small bodies."&nbsp;

"These molecules were also the origin of life and water on Earth," Carolina added.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/microplastics-and-nanoplastics-in-the-human-body-can-cause-heart-attacks-strokes-and-cancer-studies-reveal-697650">Microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body can cause heart attacks, strokes and cancer, studies reveal</a>

These TNOs are believed to orbit within the region where they originated, largely unaffected by Neptune's migration. With this, it can be understood how Neptune migrated to its current position in the solar system.&nbsp;

With the help of the JWST's surface compositions of Mors-Somnus, scientists have embarked on a pioneering journey, examining the chemical makeup of six of these undisturbed TNOs.

Moreover, comparisons between six of the TNOs and Mors-Somnus revealed a shared origin approximately 2.7 billion miles away in the Kuiper Belt.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-oldest-dead-galaxy-ever-found-in-our-universe-697623">Scientists discover oldest 'dead' galaxy ever found in our universe</a>

Dr Noemí Pinilla-Alonso, co-leader of the research, envisioned even greater revelations, asserting, "For the first time, we can not only resolve images of systems with multiple components, but we can also study their composition with a level of detail that only the JWST can provide."

Watch | Top AI tools increase worries of deep fakes ahead of elections: Study

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Researchers are anticipating breakthroughs in understanding the formation and migration of objects within the Kuiper Belt and beyond. Dr. de Souza Feliciano expressed her optimism, stating, "Before JWST, there was no instrument able to obtain information from these objects in that wavelength range."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In an exploration of the farthest reaches of our solar system, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will uncover vital clues to Neptune's ancient past by scrutinising a pair of icy asteroids - Mors-Somnus This binary asteroid system consists of two asteroids and is of interest to scientists studying the dynamics and formation of asteroids and planetary bodies.

In an exploration of the farthest reaches of our solar system, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will uncover vital clues to Neptune's ancient past by scrutinising a pair of icy asteroids - Mors-Somnus This binary asteroid system consists of two asteroids and is of interest to scientists studying the dynamics and formation of asteroids and planetary bodies. The system will tell about the evolution of the ice giant Neptune and will also give clues on how the Earth got saturated with water. The binary asteroid system, dubbed Mors-Somnus, was recently unearthed within the icy expanse of the Kuiper Belt, a region of the outer solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune. Notably, Mors-Somnus is a trans-Neptunian object (TNO), an object in the solar system that orbits the Sun at a greater average distance than Neptune. This includes a wide range of celestial bodies, such as dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets. Dr. Ana Carolina de Souza Feliciano, a lead researcher of the Disco-TNOs programme at the Florida Space Institute, underscored the importance of this find, stating, "We are studying how the actual chemistry and physics of the TNOs reflect the distribution of molecules based on carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen in the cloud that gave birth to the planets, their moons, and the small bodies." "These molecules were also the origin of life and water on Earth," Carolina added. Also Read | Microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body can cause heart attacks, strokes and cancer, studies reveal These TNOs are believed to orbit within the region where they originated, largely unaffected by Neptune's migration. With this, it can be understood how Neptune migrated to its current position in the solar system. With the help of the JWST's surface compositions of Mors-Somnus, scientists have embarked on a pioneering journey, examining the chemical makeup of six of these undisturbed TNOs. Moreover, comparisons between six of the TNOs and Mors-Somnus revealed a shared origin approximately 2.7 billion miles away in the Kuiper Belt. Also Read | Scientists discover oldest 'dead' galaxy ever found in our universe Dr Noemí Pinilla-Alonso, co-leader of the research, envisioned even greater revelations, asserting, "For the first time, we can not only resolve images of systems with multiple components, but we can also study their composition with a level of detail that only the JWST can provide." Watch | Top AI tools increase worries of deep fakes ahead of elections: Study × Researchers are anticipating breakthroughs in understanding the formation and migration of objects within the Kuiper Belt and beyond. Dr. de Souza Feliciano expressed her optimism, stating, "Before JWST, there was no instrument able to obtain information from these objects in that wavelength range." (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb Space Telescope probes binary asteroid system Mors-Somnus in Kuiper Belt to know Neptune's past

An asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and in one stroke, started a process that resulted in the elimination of 75 per cent of life on Earth over the next decade and ended the reign of dinosaurs. It is almost unanimously held that the catastrophic event paved the way for mammals and other forms of life to thrive and for humans to ultimately develop. But did the asteroid help birds?

Modern birds have evolved from some of the smaller dinosaurs and it is held to be logical that in the food-deficient aftermath of the asteroid hit, smaller life-forms were able to survive as opposed to their much larger 'dino' counterparts. This eventually resulted in the evolution of the 'normal-sized' birds we see today.

But a study now contends that the asteroid hit did not have an effect on the evolution of birds as they had started diversifying even before the catastrophic event.

The study was published on Monday (Feb 12) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Watch | Alaskapox: The new killer virus claims its first victim

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To arrive at their conclusion, the scientists studied 124 bird species.

“We found that this catastrophe didn’t have an impact on modern birds,” said Dr Shaoyuan Wu, an evolutionary biologist at Jiangsu Normal University, China

As reported by The New York Times, the international team of researchers found during the study that birds that are alive today had a common ancestor 130 million years ago. The ancestor&nbsp;evolved into different birds over millennia. However, the researchers say that the 'family tree' of this evolution was splitting steadily, both before and after the asteroid hit.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-faced-new-species-of-millipede-discovered-in-jungles-of-tanzania-690348">'Alien-faced' new species of millipede discovered in jungles of Tanzania</a>

In other words, the asteroid hit in itself did not have an influence on the evolution of birds, contend the researchers.

The scientific community in general continues to study the asteroid impact that came close to eliminating life on Earth by causing huge tsunamis, massive forest fires and triggering a decade-long winter.

(With inputs from agencies)

An asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and in one stroke, started a process that resulted in the elimination of 75 per cent of life on Earth over the next decade and ended the reign of dinosaurs.

An asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and in one stroke, started a process that resulted in the elimination of 75 per cent of life on Earth over the next decade and ended the reign of dinosaurs. It is almost unanimously held that the catastrophic event paved the way for mammals and other forms of life to thrive and for humans to ultimately develop. But did the asteroid help birds? Modern birds have evolved from some of the smaller dinosaurs and it is held to be logical that in the food-deficient aftermath of the asteroid hit, smaller life-forms were able to survive as opposed to their much larger 'dino' counterparts. This eventually resulted in the evolution of the 'normal-sized' birds we see today. But a study now contends that the asteroid hit did not have an effect on the evolution of birds as they had started diversifying even before the catastrophic event. The study was published on Monday (Feb 12) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Watch | Alaskapox: The new killer virus claims its first victim × To arrive at their conclusion, the scientists studied 124 bird species. “We found that this catastrophe didn’t have an impact on modern birds,” said Dr Shaoyuan Wu, an evolutionary biologist at Jiangsu Normal University, China As reported by The New York Times, the international team of researchers found during the study that birds that are alive today had a common ancestor 130 million years ago. The ancestor evolved into different birds over millennia. However, the researchers say that the 'family tree' of this evolution was splitting steadily, both before and after the asteroid hit. Also read | 'Alien-faced' new species of millipede discovered in jungles of Tanzania In other words, the asteroid hit in itself did not have an influence on the evolution of birds, contend the researchers. The scientific community in general continues to study the asteroid impact that came close to eliminating life on Earth by causing huge tsunamis, massive forest fires and triggering a decade-long winter. (With inputs from agencies)

An asteroid hit ended dinosaurs' reign. But did birds flourish because of it?

'Lucy' is probably not a name we'd have first impulse to associate with a space mission. Such missions and spacecrafts, at least those from NASA, have crossing-the-final-frontier sort of names. New Horizons, Voyager, Curiosity, Pathfinder and more such names have a sense of grandeur attached to them.

But Lucy?&nbsp;

We'd first look at our phonebook rather than list of space missions to find such a word.

Even if we keep the cliched Shakespearean quote aside, it needs to be impressed that the neatly named Lucy mission attempts to study something that's much grander than what it has in its name.

We've studied planets are the main aspects of our our Solar System, but the asteroid belt has its own secrets and wonders. Lucy aims to focus on that. Lucy is going to study the Trojan Swarms.

Trojan swarms are chunks that were left over after formation of outer planets in our solar system. They locked in an orbit around the Sun same as that of Jupiter.

Lucy was in news just a couple of days ago, as it flew past an asteroid named Dinkinesh. It was its first asteroid target. And the spacecraft's first discovery was indeed a new discovery.

Scientists thought that Dinkinesh was a single piece of rock. But as Lucy found out, Dinkinesh was made up of two space rocks: one is the main asteroid while the other is a 'moon' around it.

<h2>When was Lucy launched?</h2>

Lucy was launched on October 16, 2021 from Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Florida, USA. A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket took Lucy to the sky.

<h2>What is on cards for Lucy?</h2>

A flyby of Dinkinesh was not Lucy's final aim. The spacecraft will visit nine other space rocks through 2033.&nbsp;

“The Trojans are the last big population of objects that we have not yet seen close up,” said Thomas Statler, a NASA planetary scientist on the mission. “And Lucy is going to do that for the first time.”

He was quoted by The New York Times.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-kepler-telescope-finds-a-new-seven-planet-system-654817">NASA's Kepler telescope finds a new seven-planet system</a>

Asteroids are often regarded as 'fossils' of planet formation as they are largely made of material that was left behind after the eight planets were formed.

And it is believed by scientists that Trojan asteroids are most likely made of the same primordial material that led to formation of outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). They can hence even be considered as 'time capsules' from the time our solar system was forming four billion years ago. Studying these asteroids may give us vital clues about outer planets and even formation of the solar system.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-found-another-ice-volcano-on-pluto-654700">Scientists have found another ice-volcano on Pluto</a>

Although Trojan asteroids are clubbed in one group, they differ from one another in their surface composition. This points to a possibility that they formed in different part s of the solar system and then they travelled to their current location as planets formed and evolved. It is possible that these asteroids contain chemical signatures or some other sort of evidence that'll help us understand new corners of our immediate neighbourhood, the Solar System.

<h2>Which asteroids will Lucy fly by?</h2>

Lucy has already flown past one of eight asteroids it was to say 'hi' to.

So the seven asteroids still waiting for Lucy are:

Eurybates 
Queta 
Polymele 
Leucus 
Orus 
Patroclus 
Menoetius&nbsp;

Lucy will study the asteroids with respect to these properties

Surface Geology

As it studies the asteroids, Lucy will map surface, reflectivity and craters. It will also study spatial and size-frequency distribution of these craters.&nbsp;

Surface colour and composition

Lucy will take a look at composition, colour and regolith properties of the asteroid surface to check distribution of minerals ices and organic species. Regolith refers to the surface 'soil' of the asteroid.

Interior properties

Lucy will check mass and density and also study sub-surface composition.

Satellites and rings

Lucy will also keep its 'eyes' open to check if any Trojan asteroid has rings or satellites.

<h2>What will happen when the mission ends?</h2>

According to NASA website, when the mission ends, 'Lucy will continue on a stable orbit, traveling from near Earth’s orbit out to the Trojan swarms. The team has carefully designed the trajectory to ensure that Lucy will not hit Earth or contaminate any place that could have signs of life for more than 100,000 years.'

Wow!

And if humans in that distant future don't decide to bring Lucy back, the massive gravity of Jupiter will likely send the spacecraft into the Sun or out of the Solar System.

Watch | Why are some countries changing their clock timings? Trending on WION

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And last but not least, why is it named 'Lucy' after all?

NASA missions are famous for pointing to a greater meaning. If not, they at least stand for something.&nbsp;

The careful nomenclature system may appear to have taken a backseat in case of Lucy, as NASA itself says, "Lucy doesn’t stand for anything!"

But name is not without significance. Lucy was a name given to a fossilised human ancestor found in Ethiopia in 1974. The findings revolutionised the scientific understanding of human evolution.&nbsp;

It is expected that the 'Lucy' spacecraft would spark a similar trend but with respect to our solar system. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

'Lucy' is probably not a name we'd have first impulse to associate with a space mission. Such missions and spacecrafts, at least those from NASA, have crossing-the-final-frontier sort of names.

'Lucy' is probably not a name we'd have first impulse to associate with a space mission. Such missions and spacecrafts, at least those from NASA, have crossing-the-final-frontier sort of names. New Horizons, Voyager, Curiosity, Pathfinder and more such names have a sense of grandeur attached to them. But Lucy? We'd first look at our phonebook rather than list of space missions to find such a word. Even if we keep the cliched Shakespearean quote aside, it needs to be impressed that the neatly named Lucy mission attempts to study something that's much grander than what it has in its name. We've studied planets are the main aspects of our our Solar System, but the asteroid belt has its own secrets and wonders. Lucy aims to focus on that. Lucy is going to study the Trojan Swarms. Trojan swarms are chunks that were left over after formation of outer planets in our solar system. They locked in an orbit around the Sun same as that of Jupiter. Lucy was in news just a couple of days ago, as it flew past an asteroid named Dinkinesh. It was its first asteroid target. And the spacecraft's first discovery was indeed a new discovery. Scientists thought that Dinkinesh was a single piece of rock. But as Lucy found out, Dinkinesh was made up of two space rocks: one is the main asteroid while the other is a 'moon' around it. When was Lucy launched? Lucy was launched on October 16, 2021 from Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Florida, USA. A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket took Lucy to the sky. What is on cards for Lucy? A flyby of Dinkinesh was not Lucy's final aim. The spacecraft will visit nine other space rocks through 2033. “The Trojans are the last big population of objects that we have not yet seen close up,” said Thomas Statler, a NASA planetary scientist on the mission. “And Lucy is going to do that for the first time.” He was quoted by The New York Times. Also Read | NASA's Kepler telescope finds a new seven-planet system Asteroids are often regarded as 'fossils' of planet formation as they are largely made of material that was left behind after the eight planets were formed. And it is believed by scientists that Trojan asteroids are most likely made of the same primordial material that led to formation of outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). They can hence even be considered as 'time capsules' from the time our solar system was forming four billion years ago. Studying these asteroids may give us vital clues about outer planets and even formation of the solar system. Also Read | Scientists have found another ice-volcano on Pluto Although Trojan asteroids are clubbed in one group, they differ from one another in their surface composition. This points to a possibility that they formed in different part s of the solar system and then they travelled to their current location as planets formed and evolved. It is possible that these asteroids contain chemical signatures or some other sort of evidence that'll help us understand new corners of our immediate neighbourhood, the Solar System. Which asteroids will Lucy fly by? Lucy has already flown past one of eight asteroids it was to say 'hi' to. So the seven asteroids still waiting for Lucy are: Eurybates Queta Polymele Leucus Orus Patroclus Menoetius Lucy will study the asteroids with respect to these properties Surface Geology As it studies the asteroids, Lucy will map surface, reflectivity and craters. It will also study spatial and size-frequency distribution of these craters. Surface colour and composition Lucy will take a look at composition, colour and regolith properties of the asteroid surface to check distribution of minerals ices and organic species. Regolith refers to the surface 'soil' of the asteroid. Interior properties Lucy will check mass and density and also study sub-surface composition. Satellites and rings Lucy will also keep its 'eyes' open to check if any Trojan asteroid has rings or satellites. What will happen when the mission ends? According to NASA website, when the mission ends, 'Lucy will continue on a stable orbit, traveling from near Earth’s orbit out to the Trojan swarms. The team has carefully designed the trajectory to ensure that Lucy will not hit Earth or contaminate any place that could have signs of life for more than 100,000 years.' Wow! And if humans in that distant future don't decide to bring Lucy back, the massive gravity of Jupiter will likely send the spacecraft into the Sun or out of the Solar System. Watch | Why are some countries changing their clock timings? Trending on WION × And last but not least, why is it named 'Lucy' after all? NASA missions are famous for pointing to a greater meaning. If not, they at least stand for something. The careful nomenclature system may appear to have taken a backseat in case of Lucy, as NASA itself says, "Lucy doesn’t stand for anything!" But name is not without significance. Lucy was a name given to a fossilised human ancestor found in Ethiopia in 1974. The findings revolutionised the scientific understanding of human evolution. It is expected that the 'Lucy' spacecraft would spark a similar trend but with respect to our solar system. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | What exactly is NASA's Lucy Mission?

Numerous asteroids are fast approaching the Earth. One of them, a mammoth-size space rock, has been classified as 'potentially hazardous object' by NASA. Should you be worried? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Numerous asteroids fast moving towards the Earth

Our ancestors mingled with dinosaurs. New study suggests the coexistence of humans & dinosaurs. Researchers analyzed fossil records. As per study, humans, dogs & bats originated in the Cretaceous period. These placental mammals shared the planet with dinosaurs. Until a mass extinction event took place. It was triggered by an asteroid hitting the Earth.

Did early human ancestors walk the Earth alongside dinosaurs but survive the Asteroid impact?

US is reaching new heights. The nation has found a new way to target enemies. This time it's not a human-made weapon. But a Celestial Weapon, known as Asteroids. According to a Russian Expert, Anatoly Zaitsev, the US might be planning a celestial attack on Russia. This attack will use 'Asteroid' as a weapon.

Russian expert claims the US is working on weaponising asteroids against their enemies

NASA has said that there are currently four asteroids that are coming towards Earth with frightening speed. Some of them are travelling&nbsp;at the speed of hypersonic ballistic missiles, but few of them will not hit the earth and go flying past it, as reported by NASA.&nbsp;

Asteroids are basically the minor planets of the inner solar system and have rocky, icy, or metallic bodies with no atmosphere. Though most of the&nbsp;asteroids look the same, their shapes and size vary significantly, ranging from 1 million rocks to a dwarf planet of almost 1000km in diameter. One such&nbsp;asteroid has already been seen flying over Earth&nbsp;in Canada recently.

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~1-m space object - temporary designation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/C8FF042?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#C8FF042</a> - strikes Earth over Canada, creating stunning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fireball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fireball</a>☄️ 
 
For only the 6th time in history, this impact was predicted. 
 
Find out more about predicting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/asteroid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#asteroid</a> impacts from the last time this happened 👉<a href="https://t.co/zwPKXeUEUl">https://t.co/zwPKXeUEUl</a> <a href="https://t.co/XbDqtiDuom">https://t.co/XbDqtiDuom</a> <a href="https://t.co/5yHGWibSki">pic.twitter.com/5yHGWibSki</a>
— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) <a href="https://twitter.com/esaoperations/status/1593912958509367296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here is the information about four&nbsp;asteroids barrelling toward earth:&nbsp;

<h2>1. Asteroid 2005 LW3</h2>

This is the largest asteroid of them all and also the first one to be discovered by NASA. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office has issued an&nbsp;alert against this huge asteroid named Asteroid 2005 LW3. It will make its closest approach to Earth on 23 November at a distance of just 1.1 million kilometres away from earth. This asteroid is colossal with its size ranging anywhere between 426 feet to 918 feet. NASA has warned that the space rock is already&nbsp;on its way toward the planet, travelling at the speed of 48580 kilometres per hour.

<h2>2. Asteroid 2022 WS2</h2>

This asteroid was red-flagged by NASA due to its extremely close approach to earth. The asteroid, with a size ranging between 39 feet and 88 feet, will be making its closest approach to Earth on 23rd November as well. It will be at a distance of 3 million kilometres from Earth, travelling&nbsp;at a speed of 42039 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywiT-_Iby_A">Gravitas: NASA to send a mission to 'golden' asteroid</a>

<h2>3. Asteroid 2022 WR2</h2>

This other asteroid will also come extremely close to Earth on 23rd November. Its close approach will bring it within just 3.5 kilometres of Earth. The asteroid is already on its way toward Earth, travelling at an astounding speed of 27629 kilometres per hour. Fortunately, this asteroid is quite small and will not be of harm&nbsp;even if it hits the Earth.&nbsp;

<h2>4. Asteroid 2022 WL2&nbsp;</h2>

This is this week's fourth asteroid that might hit the surface of the earth. It has a size ranging between 29 feet and 65 feet. It will make its closest appearance to Earth on 23rd November, at a distance of 2.2 million kilometres. It is coming down towards earth with a lightening speed of 28980 kilometres per hour, which is twice the speed of a hypersonic ballistic missile.

NASA has said that there are currently four asteroids that are coming towards Earth with frightening speed. Some of them are travelling at the speed of hypersonic ballistic missiles, but few of them will not hit the earth and go flying past it, as reported by NASA.

NASA has said that there are currently four asteroids that are coming towards Earth with frightening speed. Some of them are travelling at the speed of hypersonic ballistic missiles, but few of them will not hit the earth and go flying past it, as reported by NASA. Asteroids are basically the minor planets of the inner solar system and have rocky, icy, or metallic bodies with no atmosphere. Though most of the asteroids look the same, their shapes and size vary significantly, ranging from 1 million rocks to a dwarf planet of almost 1000km in diameter. One such asteroid has already been seen flying over Earth in Canada recently. ~1-m space object - temporary designation #C8FF042 - strikes Earth over Canada, creating stunning #fireball☄️ For only the 6th time in history, this impact was predicted. Find out more about predicting #asteroid impacts from the last time this happened 👉https://t.co/zwPKXeUEUl https://t.co/XbDqtiDuom pic.twitter.com/5yHGWibSki — ESA Operations (@esaoperations) November 19, 2022 × Here is the information about four asteroids barrelling toward earth: 1. Asteroid 2005 LW3 This is the largest asteroid of them all and also the first one to be discovered by NASA. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office has issued an alert against this huge asteroid named Asteroid 2005 LW3. It will make its closest approach to Earth on 23 November at a distance of just 1.1 million kilometres away from earth. This asteroid is colossal with its size ranging anywhere between 426 feet to 918 feet. NASA has warned that the space rock is already on its way toward the planet, travelling at the speed of 48580 kilometres per hour. 2. Asteroid 2022 WS2 This asteroid was red-flagged by NASA due to its extremely close approach to earth. The asteroid, with a size ranging between 39 feet and 88 feet, will be making its closest approach to Earth on 23rd November as well. It will be at a distance of 3 million kilometres from Earth, travelling at a speed of 42039 kilometres per hour. Watch | Gravitas: NASA to send a mission to 'golden' asteroid 3. Asteroid 2022 WR2 This other asteroid will also come extremely close to Earth on 23rd November. Its close approach will bring it within just 3.5 kilometres of Earth. The asteroid is already on its way toward Earth, travelling at an astounding speed of 27629 kilometres per hour. Fortunately, this asteroid is quite small and will not be of harm even if it hits the Earth. 4. Asteroid 2022 WL2 This is this week's fourth asteroid that might hit the surface of the earth. It has a size ranging between 29 feet and 65 feet. It will make its closest appearance to Earth on 23rd November, at a distance of 2.2 million kilometres. It is coming down towards earth with a lightening speed of 28980 kilometres per hour, which is twice the speed of a hypersonic ballistic missile.

Four dangerous asteroids whirling towards earth that might hit today, tells NASA

7 times cinema explored killer asteroids: 'Don't Look Up', 'Armageddon', 'Deep Impact', and more

Scientists from the American space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), found that surface regeneration happens a lot quicker on asteroids than on Earth, a report published on the official website of NASA stated.&nbsp;

NASA experts from the OSIRIS-REx mission have learned about surface regeneration after analysing rock fractures on asteroid Bennu from high-resolution images taken by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.&nbsp;

They discovered that the Sun’s heat fractures rocks on Bennu in just 10,000 to 100,000 years, a finding tha will help space scientists to estimate and understand how long it takes boulders on asteroids like Bennu to break down into smaller particles. The particles may either eject into space or stay on the asteroid's surface, the NASA article mentioned.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dogs-may-be-seeing-through-smells-says-a-study-500591">Dogs may be 'seeing' through smells, says a study&nbsp;</a>

Marco Delbo, senior scientist at Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire Lagrange, Nice, France, said that tens of thousands of years might sound pretty slow, but "we thought surface regeneration on asteroids took a few millions of years".&nbsp;

Delbo, who is the lead author of a paper published in June 2022 in Nature Geoscience, added, "We were surprised to learn that the ageing and weathering process on asteroids happens so quickly, geologically speaking."&nbsp;

NASA has mentioned that surface changes on Earth are gradual, however, landslides, volcanoes and earthquakes can bring about surface changes suddenly. NASA said that the water, wind and temperature changes slowly break down rock layers, creating new surfaces over millions of years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-looking-to-repurpose-existing-satellites-to-search-for-alien-life-in-space-500527">NASA looking to repurpose existing satellites to search for alien life in space</a>&nbsp;

But while mentioning the Bennu, NASA stated that rapid temperature changes on Bennu create internal stress that fractures and breaks down rocks.&nbsp;

The Sun rises every 4.3 hours on Bennu. At the equator, daytime highs can reach almost 260 F and nighttime lows plummet to nearly minus 10 F.&nbsp;

The cracks in the rocks on Bennu were spotted by the scientists in spacecraft images from the first surveys. Delbo said that the fractures seemed to point in the same direction, "a distinct signature that temperature shocks between the day and the night could be the cause."&nbsp;

The length and angles of more than 1,500 fractures were measured by Delbo and his colleagues in OSIRIS-REx images by hand. NASA said that some were shorter than a tennis racket, others longer than a tennis court.&nbsp;

The fractures were predominantly aligning in the northwest-southeast direction, suggesting they were caused by the Sun. Delbo said, "If landslides or impacts were moving boulders faster than the boulders were cracking, the fractures would point in random directions."&nbsp;

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Scientists from the American space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), found that surface regeneration happens a lot quicker on asteroids than on Earth, a report published on the official website of NASA stated.

Scientists from the American space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), found that surface regeneration happens a lot quicker on asteroids than on Earth, a report published on the official website of NASA stated. NASA experts from the OSIRIS-REx mission have learned about surface regeneration after analysing rock fractures on asteroid Bennu from high-resolution images taken by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. They discovered that the Sun’s heat fractures rocks on Bennu in just 10,000 to 100,000 years, a finding tha will help space scientists to estimate and understand how long it takes boulders on asteroids like Bennu to break down into smaller particles. The particles may either eject into space or stay on the asteroid's surface, the NASA article mentioned. ALSO READ | Dogs may be 'seeing' through smells, says a study Marco Delbo, senior scientist at Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire Lagrange, Nice, France, said that tens of thousands of years might sound pretty slow, but "we thought surface regeneration on asteroids took a few millions of years". Delbo, who is the lead author of a paper published in June 2022 in Nature Geoscience, added, "We were surprised to learn that the ageing and weathering process on asteroids happens so quickly, geologically speaking." NASA has mentioned that surface changes on Earth are gradual, however, landslides, volcanoes and earthquakes can bring about surface changes suddenly. NASA said that the water, wind and temperature changes slowly break down rock layers, creating new surfaces over millions of years. ALSO READ | NASA looking to repurpose existing satellites to search for alien life in space But while mentioning the Bennu, NASA stated that rapid temperature changes on Bennu create internal stress that fractures and breaks down rocks. The Sun rises every 4.3 hours on Bennu. At the equator, daytime highs can reach almost 260 F and nighttime lows plummet to nearly minus 10 F. The cracks in the rocks on Bennu were spotted by the scientists in spacecraft images from the first surveys. Delbo said that the fractures seemed to point in the same direction, "a distinct signature that temperature shocks between the day and the night could be the cause." The length and angles of more than 1,500 fractures were measured by Delbo and his colleagues in OSIRIS-REx images by hand. NASA said that some were shorter than a tennis racket, others longer than a tennis court. The fractures were predominantly aligning in the northwest-southeast direction, suggesting they were caused by the Sun. Delbo said, "If landslides or impacts were moving boulders faster than the boulders were cracking, the fractures would point in random directions." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Asteroids 'aged early': Surface regeneration happens a lot quicker on asteroids than on Earth, tells NASA

China Fuyan (faceted eye), a brand-new high-definition deep-space active observation station, is presently being built in the nation's Southwest Chongqing municipality. The facility will have scattered radars, each with a diameter of 25 to 30 metres and more than 20 antennas. These antennas will work together to conduct high-definition observations of asteroids within 150 million kilometres, according to the project's leading institution, the Beijing Institute of Technology.

Chinese experts anticipate that this facility will help them address their nation's needs for advanced space sensing, near-Earth defence, and studies on the habitability of Earth and asteroids. The Chinese researchers gave the device a catchy name, China Fuyan, since it contains many antennas, much like the facetted eyes of an insect, claims Long Teng, president of the Beijing Institute of Technology and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Civil-military integration

The National Astronomical Observatories of China, which are part of the China Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Peking University, are working together on the project under the direction of a team from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BTI).

The BTI was listed as "one of the 'Seven Sons of National Defence'," "a leading centre of military research," and "one of only fourteen institutions accredited to award doctorates in weapons science" in the China's Defense Universities Tracker published by the International Cyber Policy Center at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in 2019.

It has 34 designated defence research fields, including missile technology, radar, and weapon systems, and is classified as "extremely high risk" and "top secret."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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China Fuyan (faceted eye), a brand-new high-definition deep-space active observation station, is presently being built in the nation's Southwest Chongqing municipality.

China Fuyan (faceted eye), a brand-new high-definition deep-space active observation station, is presently being built in the nation's Southwest Chongqing municipality. The facility will have scattered radars, each with a diameter of 25 to 30 metres and more than 20 antennas. These antennas will work together to conduct high-definition observations of asteroids within 150 million kilometres, according to the project's leading institution, the Beijing Institute of Technology. Chinese experts anticipate that this facility will help them address their nation's needs for advanced space sensing, near-Earth defence, and studies on the habitability of Earth and asteroids. The Chinese researchers gave the device a catchy name, China Fuyan, since it contains many antennas, much like the facetted eyes of an insect, claims Long Teng, president of the Beijing Institute of Technology and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Civil-military integration The National Astronomical Observatories of China, which are part of the China Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Peking University, are working together on the project under the direction of a team from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BTI). The BTI was listed as "one of the 'Seven Sons of National Defence'," "a leading centre of military research," and "one of only fourteen institutions accredited to award doctorates in weapons science" in the China's Defense Universities Tracker published by the International Cyber Policy Center at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in 2019. It has 34 designated defence research fields, including missile technology, radar, and weapon systems, and is classified as "extremely high risk" and "top secret." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China Fuyan: Beijing's defence against near-earth asteroids

Astronomers have spotted the youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in the solar system.

Split off from their parent body merely 300 years ago, they possess properties that are hard to explain due to their young age.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-that-even-dying-stars-can-give-birth-to-brand-new-planets-451084" hreflang="en">Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets</a>

Nicholas Moskovitz of Lowell Observatory said, “In the present day, the bodies don’t display any signs of cometary activity. So it remains a mystery how these objects could have gone from a single parent body, to individually active objects, to the inactive pair we see today in just 300 years.”

The findings of the study have been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

According to Petr Fatka of the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, “Thanks to the measurements performed with the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) in northern Arizona, it is clear that 2019 PR2 and 2019 QR6 come from the same parent object and their high orbital similarity is not coincidental.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-first-ever-wandering-black-hole-in-milky-way-galaxy-450795" hreflang="en">Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy</a>

While the larger asteroid measures about one kilometre in diametre and the other half that size, and they were found to have very similar orbits around the Sun.&nbsp;

The majority of asteroids in our solar system reside in the area between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter known as the main asteroid belt.&nbsp;

Closer to home, scientists have identified additional asteroids known as Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), whose orbits bring them within the vicinity of Earth.

“It’s very exciting to find such a young asteroid pair that was formed only about 300 years ago, which was like this morning—not even yesterday—in astronomical timescales,” says Fatka.

She explains, “To have a better idea about what process caused the disruption of the parent body, we have to wait until 2033 when both objects will be within the reach of our telescopes again.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have spotted the youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in the solar system. Split off from their parent body merely 300 years ago, they possess properties that are hard to explain due to their young age.

Astronomers have spotted the youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in the solar system. Split off from their parent body merely 300 years ago, they possess properties that are hard to explain due to their young age. Also read | Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets Nicholas Moskovitz of Lowell Observatory said, “In the present day, the bodies don’t display any signs of cometary activity. So it remains a mystery how these objects could have gone from a single parent body, to individually active objects, to the inactive pair we see today in just 300 years.” The findings of the study have been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. According to Petr Fatka of the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, “Thanks to the measurements performed with the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) in northern Arizona, it is clear that 2019 PR2 and 2019 QR6 come from the same parent object and their high orbital similarity is not coincidental.” Also read | Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy While the larger asteroid measures about one kilometre in diametre and the other half that size, and they were found to have very similar orbits around the Sun. The majority of asteroids in our solar system reside in the area between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter known as the main asteroid belt. Closer to home, scientists have identified additional asteroids known as Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), whose orbits bring them within the vicinity of Earth. “It’s very exciting to find such a young asteroid pair that was formed only about 300 years ago, which was like this morning—not even yesterday—in astronomical timescales,” says Fatka. She explains, “To have a better idea about what process caused the disruption of the parent body, we have to wait until 2033 when both objects will be within the reach of our telescopes again.” (With inputs from agencies)

Youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in solar system spotted by astronomers

A 104-metre-wide asteroid, which will be within 3.48 million miles of Earth, is going to pass near the planet. The asteroid has been labelled as a “potentially hazardous object”. The rock, which seems to be bigger than the iconic Big Ben, has been named Asteroid 2013 YD48 by NASA.

It’s time to ‘look up’: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth

NASA has sent a spacecraft to space that will crash into an asteroid. Why? NASA is undertaking some target practice to avoid Armageddon in the future. Palki Sharma tells you all you need to know.

Gravitas: NASA wants to crash a spacecraft to save earth from Armageddon

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

NASA spacecraft to crash into Asteroid, mission might save planet Earth

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

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

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

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

Nicole Oliviera, a seven-year-old Brazilian girl who found seven asteroids, has been named the world's youngest astronomer.&nbsp;

Nicole's fascination with space and astronomy began when she was just two years old.

She took part in the ‘Asteroid Hunt' citizen science programme, which is run by the International Astronomical Search Collaboration and includes NASA.&nbsp;

Oliviera's passion for astronomy developed by leaps and bounds, according to R7, a Brazilian news agency.

She asked her mother for a star when she was two years old.

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She made do with a toy star at the time, but it wasn't until later that she discovered what her kid really needed.&nbsp;

Oliveira was recently asked to speak at the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation's 1st International Seminar on Astronomy and Aeronautics.

Oliveira is used to presenting lectures in schools in her hometown of Maceió, despite her age.&nbsp;

They invited her after learning that Oliveria is the youngest member of the Alagoas Astronomical Studies Center, Centro de Estudos Astronômico de Alagoas (CEAAL).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nicole Oliviera, a seven-year-old Brazilian girl who found seven asteroids, has been named the world's youngest astronomer. Nicole's fascination with space and astronomy began when she was just two years old.

Nicole Oliviera, a seven-year-old Brazilian girl who found seven asteroids, has been named the world's youngest astronomer. Nicole's fascination with space and astronomy began when she was just two years old. She took part in the ‘Asteroid Hunt' citizen science programme, which is run by the International Astronomical Search Collaboration and includes NASA. Oliviera's passion for astronomy developed by leaps and bounds, according to R7, a Brazilian news agency. She asked her mother for a star when she was two years old. × She made do with a toy star at the time, but it wasn't until later that she discovered what her kid really needed. Oliveira was recently asked to speak at the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation's 1st International Seminar on Astronomy and Aeronautics. Oliveira is used to presenting lectures in schools in her hometown of Maceió, despite her age. They invited her after learning that Oliveria is the youngest member of the Alagoas Astronomical Studies Center, Centro de Estudos Astronômico de Alagoas (CEAAL). (With inputs from agencies)

World's youngest astronomer: This seven-year old girl discovered seven asteroids for NASA

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

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

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

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

A team of Indian scientists recently discovered four new near-Earth asteroids during a search training programme overseen by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

NASA collaborated with the International Astronomical Search Cooperation and Vigyan Prasar, an organisation within the purview of India’s Ministry of Science and Technology to assist in the discovery. The six-member team of watchdog citizens-turned scientists used communicators and teachers to detect the rocks, setting an industry precedent.

Meet the team: How did they achieve the feat?

The discovery team was led my Meka Susatya Rekha, a science teacher and the recipient of the National Teacher Award, local media reports claimed. Rekha teaches at a school in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh and has received praise by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her accomplishments in the field of teaching.

According to Deccan Chronicle, other team members include K Kiran Kumar Reddy from Kadapa, M Suresh from Vijayawada, Neelakantaiah from Chittoor. In addition, the team also received help from an organisation which aims to popularise science called Vijnana Bharati whose PVLN Sriram helped with the discovery.

With this discovery, scientists are backing on the team to unearth much more. With this hope, the six-member team is expected to participate in an asteroid campaign set to take place on India’s 75th Independence Day this year.

As part of their programme, the scientists underwent a 45-day long training programme under the wing of Saptarishi India Asteroid Search Campaign, which was overseen by the All India Asteroid Search Programme.

To help with their goals, the scientists used data and images from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, a space telescope situated in Hawaii, United States.

But what are near-Earth asteroids?

Essentially frozen rocks, near-Earth asteroids are objects that come in proximity to Earth due to their orbits. Most near-Earth objects are identified as asteroids, but a few are also categorised as comets. There are more than 25,000 known near-Earth asteroids and at least a hundred near-Earth comets.&nbsp;

Scientists use two scales referred to as “Torino” and “Palermo” to ascertain the risk presented by such near-Earth objects. The scales are also used to identify the risks of the objects impacting Earth.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/discovered-footprints-of-the-very-last-dinosaurs-to-walk-on-uk-ground-392626" hreflang="en">Discovered; Footprints of the very last Dinosaurs to walk on UK ground</a>

Even if measuring as small as 20 metres, asteroids are capable are wreaking havoc to the local environment and populations. If big enough, asteroids could create a crater on Earth. They’re also capable of setting off tsunamis if they make impact in the ocean.

Any body in the universe is categorised as a near-Earth object if their closest approach to our Sun is less than 1.3 astronomical units, a measure of the distance between the Earth and Sun. All near-Earth objects larger than 140 metres are considered potentially hazardous objects.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-has-a-heartbeat-and-nobody-knows-what-causes-it-392975" hreflang="en">Earth has a 'heartbeat' and nobody knows what causes it</a>

A team of Indian scientists recently discovered four new near-Earth asteroids during a search training programme overseen by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

A team of Indian scientists recently discovered four new near-Earth asteroids during a search training programme overseen by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA collaborated with the International Astronomical Search Cooperation and Vigyan Prasar, an organisation within the purview of India’s Ministry of Science and Technology to assist in the discovery. The six-member team of watchdog citizens-turned scientists used communicators and teachers to detect the rocks, setting an industry precedent. Meet the team: How did they achieve the feat? The discovery team was led my Meka Susatya Rekha, a science teacher and the recipient of the National Teacher Award, local media reports claimed. Rekha teaches at a school in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh and has received praise by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her accomplishments in the field of teaching. According to Deccan Chronicle, other team members include K Kiran Kumar Reddy from Kadapa, M Suresh from Vijayawada, Neelakantaiah from Chittoor. In addition, the team also received help from an organisation which aims to popularise science called Vijnana Bharati whose PVLN Sriram helped with the discovery. With this discovery, scientists are backing on the team to unearth much more. With this hope, the six-member team is expected to participate in an asteroid campaign set to take place on India’s 75th Independence Day this year. As part of their programme, the scientists underwent a 45-day long training programme under the wing of Saptarishi India Asteroid Search Campaign, which was overseen by the All India Asteroid Search Programme. To help with their goals, the scientists used data and images from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, a space telescope situated in Hawaii, United States. But what are near-Earth asteroids? Essentially frozen rocks, near-Earth asteroids are objects that come in proximity to Earth due to their orbits. Most near-Earth objects are identified as asteroids, but a few are also categorised as comets. There are more than 25,000 known near-Earth asteroids and at least a hundred near-Earth comets. Scientists use two scales referred to as “Torino” and “Palermo” to ascertain the risk presented by such near-Earth objects. The scales are also used to identify the risks of the objects impacting Earth. Also read: Discovered; Footprints of the very last Dinosaurs to walk on UK ground Even if measuring as small as 20 metres, asteroids are capable are wreaking havoc to the local environment and populations. If big enough, asteroids could create a crater on Earth. They’re also capable of setting off tsunamis if they make impact in the ocean. Any body in the universe is categorised as a near-Earth object if their closest approach to our Sun is less than 1.3 astronomical units, a measure of the distance between the Earth and Sun. All near-Earth objects larger than 140 metres are considered potentially hazardous objects. Also read: Earth has a 'heartbeat' and nobody knows what causes it

Indian scientists discover four near-Earth asteroids in NASA-backed research programme

A NASA satellite that will search for potentially deadly asteroids and comets heading towards Earth&nbsp;has taken a significant step closer to launch.&nbsp;

NASA officials announced on June 11 that the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor satellite telescope has been allowed to go onto "preliminary design," the next phase of development on the way to a planned launch in 2026.&nbsp;

The 20-foot (6-metre) infrared telescope would enhance planetary security by assisting astronomers in locating asteroids and comets that approach Earth's orbit within 30 million miles (48 million kilometres).&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-that-hit-botswana-in-2018-was-22-million-years-old-researchers-381137">Also read | Asteroid that hit Botswana in 2018 was 22 million years old: Researchers</a>

"NEO Surveyor will have the capability to rapidly accelerate the rate at which NASA is able to discover asteroids and comets that could pose a hazard to the Earth, and it is being designed to discover 90% of asteroids 140 metres (460 feet) in size or larger within a decade of being launched," Mike Kelley, NEO Surveyor program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, said in a statement.

In response to a congressional mandate, NASA has been working toward the 90 per cent discovery target since 2005. Scientists have discovered roughly 40% of NEOs with a diameter of at least 460 feet, which would inflict massive damage if they collided with Earth.&nbsp;

NEO Surveyor is a reinvention of the NEOCam concept, which competed in NASA's planetary research missions Discovery programme.

NEOCam was a finalist in the Discovery competition that ended in early 2017 and received funds for extra studies despite not being picked for development. 
&nbsp;

A NASA satellite that will search for potentially deadly asteroids and comets heading towards Earth has taken a significant step closer to launch. NASA officials announced on June 11 that the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor satellite telescope has been allowed to go onto "preliminary design," the next phase of development on the way to a planned launch in 2026.

A NASA satellite that will search for potentially deadly asteroids and comets heading towards Earth has taken a significant step closer to launch. NASA officials announced on June 11 that the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor satellite telescope has been allowed to go onto "preliminary design," the next phase of development on the way to a planned launch in 2026. The 20-foot (6-metre) infrared telescope would enhance planetary security by assisting astronomers in locating asteroids and comets that approach Earth's orbit within 30 million miles (48 million kilometres). Also read | Asteroid that hit Botswana in 2018 was 22 million years old: Researchers "NEO Surveyor will have the capability to rapidly accelerate the rate at which NASA is able to discover asteroids and comets that could pose a hazard to the Earth, and it is being designed to discover 90% of asteroids 140 metres (460 feet) in size or larger within a decade of being launched," Mike Kelley, NEO Surveyor program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, said in a statement. In response to a congressional mandate, NASA has been working toward the 90 per cent discovery target since 2005. Scientists have discovered roughly 40% of NEOs with a diameter of at least 460 feet, which would inflict massive damage if they collided with Earth. NEO Surveyor is a reinvention of the NEOCam concept, which competed in NASA's planetary research missions Discovery programme. NEOCam was a finalist in the Discovery competition that ended in early 2017 and received funds for extra studies despite not being picked for development.

NEO Surveyor: Space telescope to detect potentially dangerous asteroids heading for Earth

China will discuss building a defence system against near-earth asteroids, a senior space agency official said on Saturday, as the country steps up efforts towards realising its longer-term space ambitions.&nbsp;

Zhang Kejian, head of the China National Space Administration, didn't provide any further details in his opening remarks at a ceremony for China's space day in the eastern city of Nanjing. &nbsp;

China has made space exploration a top priority in recent years, aiming to establish a programme operating thousands of space flights a year and carrying tens of thousands of tonnes of cargo and passengers by 2045.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia and China unveiled plans earlier for a joint lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to recapture the glory of its space pioneering days of Soviet times, and Beijing gears up its own extraterrestrial ambitions.&nbsp;

Though Moscow was once at the forefront of space travel as it sent the first man into space, its cosmic ambitions have dimmed thanks to poor financing and endemic corruption. &nbsp;

It has been eclipsed by China and the United States, which have both clocked major wins in space exploration and research in recent years. &nbsp;

The Russian space agency Roscomos said in a statement that it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a "complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the Moon".&nbsp;

The CNSA, for its part, said that the project was "open to all interested countries and international partners" in what experts said would be China's biggest international space cooperation project to date.&nbsp;

Moscow is seeking to re-take the lead in the space race.&nbsp;

This year, it celebrated the 60th anniversary of Russia's first-ever manned space flight, it sent Yuri Gagarin into space in April 1961, followed by the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, two years later. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China will discuss building a defence system against near-earth asteroids, a senior space agency official said on Saturday, as the country steps up efforts towards realising its longer-term space ambitions.

China will discuss building a defence system against near-earth asteroids, a senior space agency official said on Saturday, as the country steps up efforts towards realising its longer-term space ambitions. Zhang Kejian, head of the China National Space Administration, didn't provide any further details in his opening remarks at a ceremony for China's space day in the eastern city of Nanjing. China has made space exploration a top priority in recent years, aiming to establish a programme operating thousands of space flights a year and carrying tens of thousands of tonnes of cargo and passengers by 2045. Meanwhile, Russia and China unveiled plans earlier for a joint lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to recapture the glory of its space pioneering days of Soviet times, and Beijing gears up its own extraterrestrial ambitions. Though Moscow was once at the forefront of space travel as it sent the first man into space, its cosmic ambitions have dimmed thanks to poor financing and endemic corruption. It has been eclipsed by China and the United States, which have both clocked major wins in space exploration and research in recent years. The Russian space agency Roscomos said in a statement that it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a "complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the Moon". The CNSA, for its part, said that the project was "open to all interested countries and international partners" in what experts said would be China's biggest international space cooperation project to date. Moscow is seeking to re-take the lead in the space race. This year, it celebrated the 60th anniversary of Russia's first-ever manned space flight, it sent Yuri Gagarin into space in April 1961, followed by the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, two years later. (With inputs from agencies)

China to consider building an asteroids defence system 

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a wayward comet-like object has been spotted near the family of ancient asteroids.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jupiter-saturn-forms-the-great-conjuction-in-a-rare-cosmic-event-351493/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The object has settled near a family of captured ancient asteroids, called Trojans," NASA said on its website. The object has been orbiting the Sun alongside Jupiter.

The US space agency said the object belongs to "a class of icy bodies found in space between Jupiter and Neptune" called Centaurs. The object has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

NASA said the "vagabond object shows signs of comet activity, such as a tail, outgassing in the form of jets, and an enshrouding coma of dust and gas."

Hubble researcher Bryce Bolin of Caltech in Pasadena, California said: “The visitor had to have come into the orbit of Jupiter at just the right trajectory to have this kind of configuration that gives it the appearance of sharing its orbit with the planet. We’re investigating how it was captured by Jupiter and landed among the Trojans. But we think it could be related to the fact that it had a somewhat close encounter with Jupiter."

NASA said the "nomadic object" was first spotted two years ago after Japanese amateur astronomer Seiichi Yoshida tipped off the Hubble team to possible comet activity.

The space agency then scanned data to find the object in fact existed. NASA said the "unexpected guest" will not stay among the asteroid for very long after conducting computer simulations.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a wayward comet-like object has been spotted near the family of ancient asteroids. Watch: "The object has settled near a family of captured ancient asteroids, called Trojans," NASA said on its website.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a wayward comet-like object has been spotted near the family of ancient asteroids. Watch: "The object has settled near a family of captured ancient asteroids, called Trojans," NASA said on its website. The object has been orbiting the Sun alongside Jupiter. The US space agency said the object belongs to "a class of icy bodies found in space between Jupiter and Neptune" called Centaurs. The object has been captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. NASA said the "vagabond object shows signs of comet activity, such as a tail, outgassing in the form of jets, and an enshrouding coma of dust and gas." Hubble researcher Bryce Bolin of Caltech in Pasadena, California said: “The visitor had to have come into the orbit of Jupiter at just the right trajectory to have this kind of configuration that gives it the appearance of sharing its orbit with the planet. We’re investigating how it was captured by Jupiter and landed among the Trojans. But we think it could be related to the fact that it had a somewhat close encounter with Jupiter." NASA said the "nomadic object" was first spotted two years ago after Japanese amateur astronomer Seiichi Yoshida tipped off the Hubble team to possible comet activity. The space agency then scanned data to find the object in fact existed. NASA said the "unexpected guest" will not stay among the asteroid for very long after conducting computer simulations.

Why a 'vagabond' comet-like object near ancient Trojan asteroids has caught NASA's attention

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

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued warnings regarding three&nbsp;asteroids over 30 metres&nbsp;in diametre&nbsp;travelling&nbsp;Earth’s way starting&nbsp;on November 10 with a double-header.&nbsp;

Estimating generally a large portion of the size of the Statue of Liberty (46m), space rock 2020 UN3 will pass the planet at a projected separation of 4.4 million kilometers. Not long after, and practically twofold the size, the 72-meter 2020 UL3, will take shots past at 5.8 million kilometers.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJBv4reH9IU" width="560"></iframe>

In case anybody gets excessively agreeable,&nbsp;on November 12, space rock 2020 VC, estimating 34 meters in width or generally, a large portion of the wingspan of a 747 fly, is set to buzz the planet a ways off of 5.2 million kilometers.&nbsp;

The respectable notice goes to 2018 VS4, 23 metres&nbsp;in breadth (generally half as tall as the Arc de Triomphe) and the 27-meter 2020 VC1 (a large portion of the Leaning Tower of Pisa), the two of which will make a flyby of Earth this week yet are not expected to represent any danger to humankind.

In the interim, information from NASA's Osiris-Rex rocket, which as of late ravaged the potential planet-executioner space rock Bennu for a portion of its residue, demonstrates this specific feature taking space rock may, indeed, be empty.&nbsp;

Moreover, not exclusively is Bennu probably empty, yet it is additionally turning quickly, driving material to its surface and conceivably destroying itself all the while.&nbsp;

Still some 321,868,800km away, Bennu has a one-in-2,700 possibility of affecting Earth somewhere in the range of 2175 and 2199.&nbsp;

In an ongoing report, the University of Colorado analysts figured out how to compute its gravity, and along these lines, it's mass,&nbsp;by following the movement of rocks flung outwards by the space rock before they slammed down on its surface. The discoveries lead the boffins to speculate that Bennu has an unfilled center.

"It's as though there is a void at its middle, inside which you could fit two or three football fields," Daniel Scheeres, who drove the exploration, clarified.&nbsp;

The most recent information from the space rock shows that it finishes one revolution at regular intervals, however, that its pace of turn is expanding.&nbsp;

"You could envision perhaps in 1,000,000 years or less, the entire thing flying separated," Scheeres said.&nbsp;

The NASA group behind the fantastic mission likewise found that Bennu's stone was shockingly delicate, after the Osiris-Rex test shot the surface with an explosion of nitrogen gas, stirring up substantially more material than anticipated, finding everybody napping.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued warnings regarding three asteroids over 30 metres in diametre travelling Earth’s way starting on November 10 with a double-header.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued warnings regarding three asteroids over 30 metres in diametre travelling Earth’s way starting on November 10 with a double-header. Estimating generally a large portion of the size of the Statue of Liberty (46m), space rock 2020 UN3 will pass the planet at a projected separation of 4.4 million kilometers. Not long after, and practically twofold the size, the 72-meter 2020 UL3, will take shots past at 5.8 million kilometers. In case anybody gets excessively agreeable, on November 12, space rock 2020 VC, estimating 34 meters in width or generally, a large portion of the wingspan of a 747 fly, is set to buzz the planet a ways off of 5.2 million kilometers. The respectable notice goes to 2018 VS4, 23 metres in breadth (generally half as tall as the Arc de Triomphe) and the 27-meter 2020 VC1 (a large portion of the Leaning Tower of Pisa), the two of which will make a flyby of Earth this week yet are not expected to represent any danger to humankind. In the interim, information from NASA's Osiris-Rex rocket, which as of late ravaged the potential planet-executioner space rock Bennu for a portion of its residue, demonstrates this specific feature taking space rock may, indeed, be empty. Moreover, not exclusively is Bennu probably empty, yet it is additionally turning quickly, driving material to its surface and conceivably destroying itself all the while. Still some 321,868,800km away, Bennu has a one-in-2,700 possibility of affecting Earth somewhere in the range of 2175 and 2199. In an ongoing report, the University of Colorado analysts figured out how to compute its gravity, and along these lines, it's mass, by following the movement of rocks flung outwards by the space rock before they slammed down on its surface. The discoveries lead the boffins to speculate that Bennu has an unfilled center. "It's as though there is a void at its middle, inside which you could fit two or three football fields," Daniel Scheeres, who drove the exploration, clarified. The most recent information from the space rock shows that it finishes one revolution at regular intervals, however, that its pace of turn is expanding. "You could envision perhaps in 1,000,000 years or less, the entire thing flying separated," Scheeres said. The NASA group behind the fantastic mission likewise found that Bennu's stone was shockingly delicate, after the Osiris-Rex test shot the surface with an explosion of nitrogen gas, stirring up substantially more material than anticipated, finding everybody napping.

Three asteroids over 30 metres in diametre travelling Earth’s way

Experts from Georgia Institute of Technology, US reveal that asteroids may help explain how life started on Earth.

According to a study conducted by a team of researchers at the institute, asteroids may act as &#39;time capsules&#39; and may help reveal what molecules originally existed in the solar system.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vv-NxulkuCo" width="560"></iframe>

&ldquo;We can look to the asteroids to help us understand what chemistry is possible in the universe,&rdquo; noted Nicholas Hud from Georgia Institute of Technology.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s important for us to study materials from asteroids and meteorites, the smaller versions of asteroids that fall to Earth, to test the validity of our models for how molecules in them could have helped give rise to life. We also need to catalogue the molecules from asteroids and meteorites because there might be compounds there that we had not even considered important for starting life,&rdquo; Hud said.

For decades, NASA scientists have been analysing compounds found in asteroids and meteorites. The analysis provides an understanding of what might have been present when the Earth was formed.

&ldquo;Detection of a molecule in an asteroid or meteorite is about the only evidence everyone will accept for that molecule being prebiotic. It is something we can really lean on,&rdquo; he said.

In Hud&#39;s theory, there are many possible ways that the molecules of life could have been formed. He believes that life could have started with &quot;less sophisticated&quot; and &quot;less efficient&quot; molecules than what we see today. Like life itself, these molecules could have evolved over time.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Asteroids may act as 'time capsules' and may help reveal what molecules originally existed in the solar system

Experts from Georgia Institute of Technology, US reveal that asteroids may help explain how life started on Earth. According to a study conducted by a team of researchers at the institute, asteroids may act as 'time capsules' and may help reveal what molecules originally existed in the solar system. “We can look to the asteroids to help us understand what chemistry is possible in the universe,” noted Nicholas Hud from Georgia Institute of Technology. “It’s important for us to study materials from asteroids and meteorites, the smaller versions of asteroids that fall to Earth, to test the validity of our models for how molecules in them could have helped give rise to life. We also need to catalogue the molecules from asteroids and meteorites because there might be compounds there that we had not even considered important for starting life,” Hud said. For decades, NASA scientists have been analysing compounds found in asteroids and meteorites. The analysis provides an understanding of what might have been present when the Earth was formed. “Detection of a molecule in an asteroid or meteorite is about the only evidence everyone will accept for that molecule being prebiotic. It is something we can really lean on,” he said. In Hud's theory, there are many possible ways that the molecules of life could have been formed. He believes that life could have started with "less sophisticated" and "less efficient" molecules than what we see today. Like life itself, these molecules could have evolved over time. (With inputs from PTI)

Wonder how life started on Earth? Study asteroids: US experts

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