NASA is on alert as three asteroids come hurtling towards Earth at scary speed Will they collide?

NASA has been on an alert and its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been keeping track of three asteroids which will pass at a close distance from Earth on October 9.

The asteroids, named 2018 QE, 2024 TD3, and 2024 TK3, do not pose any threat to our planet, however, their proximity has given scientists an opportunity to carry out valuable research on space rocks.

Asteroid 2018 QE is a bus-sized space rock which measures 32 feet wide and will fly at a distance of 415,000 kilometres from Earth.

This is more than the distance of the Moon from Earth and scientists will be able to study such small celestial objects by its flyby.

Asteroid 2024 TD3
Asteroid 2024 TD3 is as big as an aeroplane and is 99 feet wide. Even though it has a large size, it will fly past our planet at a safe distance of 2,320,000 kilometres.

Asteroid 2024 TK3
Asteroid 2024 TK3 is a house-sized celestial object which measures 57 feet.

It will make its closest approach at a safe distance of 2,350,000 kilometres.

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

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

Such asteroids are more than 460 feet (140 metres) in size and their orbits bring them within a distance of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth. 

NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been monitoring all the NEOs and looking for any potential impact risks.

NASA has issued an alert about a massive asteroid, 2024 ON, currently hurtling towards Earth at a concerning speed.

With a diameter of 720 feet, which is larger than two cricket pitches, this colossal space rock is set to pass close to Earth on September 15, 2024.

Although the asteroid will maintain a safe distance of about 620,000 miles, or roughly 2.6 times the distance from Earth to the Moon, it has still captured attention.

Its high velocity of 25,000 mph has sparked significant interest among astronomers and space enthusiasts alike..

First identified by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme, 2024 ON has been closely monitored due to its impressive size and rapid pace.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, has been instrumental in tracking the asteroid, utilising advanced radar and optical telescopes.

Detailed analyses of the asteroid’s size, shape, and composition are being conducted to assess any potential risks and to explore possible mitigation strategies.

Despite the asteroid's formidable speed and size, the chance of it colliding with Earth remains low.

NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) emphasises the need for ongoing vigilance, stressing the importance of preparedness in dealing with near-Earth objects.

The office, a key player in planetary defence, is committed to identifying, tracking, and developing strategies to deflect or mitigate potential threats from space.

Collaboration with international agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA), is underway to study the asteroid’s composition.

This research is crucial for understanding the materials that make up these celestial bodies and provides insights into the early formation of the solar system.

The combined efforts of NASA, ESA, and various academic institutions highlight the importance of global cooperation in space exploration and planetary defence.

NASA is keeping the public informed through regular updates on its website and social media platforms.

Enthusiasts in the Northern Hemisphere will have the opportunity to observe the asteroid's approach, with live coverage provided by the Virtual Telescope Project.