Asteroid Alert: NASA Monitors Close Pass
A large asteroid is set to make a close pass by Earth this week, but don't worry, NASA has it under control.
The space agency is tracking the asteroid, named (7482) 1994 PC1, which is estimated to be about 1 km in diameter. This makes it a potentially hazardous asteroid, meaning it could pose a threat to Earth if its trajectory ever changed.
While the asteroid is expected to pass safely by Earth on January 18, 2022, it will come relatively close. The asteroid will be about 1.2 million miles (1.9 million kilometers) from our planet, which is about five times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
Why is NASA Monitoring the Asteroid?
NASA monitors asteroids and other near-Earth objects (NEOs) for two main reasons:
- To understand the potential threat they pose to Earth: By tracking the trajectories of asteroids, NASA can predict if they could pose a threat to our planet in the future.
- To learn about the early solar system: Studying asteroids can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.
How Does NASA Track Asteroids?
NASA uses a network of telescopes and radar systems to track asteroids. These instruments can track the movements of asteroids, measure their size and shape, and even determine their composition.
What Happens If an Asteroid Is on a Collision Course with Earth?
If an asteroid is found to be on a collision course with Earth, NASA has several options for mitigating the threat. These options include:
- Deflecting the asteroid: NASA is currently developing technologies to deflect asteroids, such as using a spacecraft to nudge the asteroid off course.
- Breaking up the asteroid: If an asteroid is too large to deflect, NASA could consider breaking it up into smaller pieces.
Despite the size of this asteroid, NASA assures us that there is no reason to be concerned about this close pass. The space agency is confident that they have the technology and expertise to track and monitor asteroids, and to protect our planet from any potential threats.
Stay tuned for updates on this asteroid and other near-Earth objects.
