‘Coming at 30,215 kmph’: 120-foot Asteroid hurtling through space to approach Earth this week
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Asteroid 2024 ME1 Tracking
NASA is monitoring a 120-foot (37-metre) wide asteroid named 2024 ME1, which will make a close approach to Earth on July 10, 2024.
Speed and Size
The airplane-sized asteroid is traveling at an astonishing speed of 30,215 kilometres per hour (18,774 miles per hour).
Closest Approach
2024 ME1 will safely pass by Earth at a distance of 4.3 million kilometres (2.7 million miles), approximately 11 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
Encounter Timing
The asteroid is expected to make its closest approach on July 10, 2024, at 14:51 UTC (8:21 PM IST).
Amor Group Classification
2024 ME1 is part of the Amor group of asteroids, which have orbits that come close to Earth’s orbit but do not intersect it.
Monitoring and Safety
NASA and other space agencies continuously monitor Amor asteroids to identify any potential threats well in advance, ensuring high precision in predicting their paths.
Scientific Opportunity
The flyby of 2024 ME1 provides scientists with a valuable opportunity to study its characteristics and behavior, offering insights into the remnants of the early solar system.
Public Interest
Interest in space and potential asteroid impacts has increased due to the accessibility of space-related news and dramatic portrayals in movies.
No Threat to Earth
Despite its high speed, 2024 ME1 poses no threat to Earth and will pass at a safe distance, allowing for scientific observation without any danger.