One-Kilometer Wide Asteroid Speeds Towards Earth – Is It A Threat?
NASA’s mission of observing any possible threat is never ceasing. Recently, the space agency’s asteroid observer spotted a glimpse of a space object big enough to be able to damage a continent. The asteroid, dubbed 2002 PZ39, measures approximately 1,443 feet to 3,280 feet in diameter.
The space rock was also detected speeding towards our planet’s direction at a speed of almost 35,500 miles/hour. Due to its dimension, it has been categorized as a PHO (Possibly Hazardous Object). NASA details that a space object this large can bring damage to millions of people of it ever collapsed into some area. The result would be so violent, affecting the entire Earth.
A Potential Hazardous Object can trigger tsunamis or bring earthquakes. Currently, the space object is forecasted to be moving towards the planet at a speed of almost 15,19 kilometers/second or even 35,567 miles/hour.
The Massive Asteroid Speeds Towards Our Planet, But It’s Not a Threat
It will not collapse with our planet, but instead, pass by. The closest 2002 PZ39 can would be at 0,03800 in astronomical calculations. In our terms, it will approach as close as almost 3,58 million miles, which is significantly very far, but close enough to be spotted. However, it might mark as the first time event PZ39 will reach our planet, but will not be the last, according to scientists.
NASA thinks that this space object might fly by Earth again, somewhere in 2034. Previously, researchers from the space agency have unveiled the actual odds of an asteroid collision. They’re significantly little, but it will always exist a slight possibility.
As the year passes by, NASA states that the odds of a space object collision would be at 0.1 %. Also, there is a 70 % chance that the asteroid to reach the water. But, even if it reaches the ground, NASA explains that there is a 20 % odd it will land on an unpopulated region.
As our second lead editor, Anna C. Mackinno provides guidance on the stories Great Lakes Ledger reporters cover. She has been instrumental in making sure the content on the site is clear and accurate for our readers. If you see a particularly clever title, you can likely thank Anna. Anna received a BA and and MA from Fordham University.
0 comments