A 500-foot asteroid will pass by Earth on 28 October 2024, but experts assure that there is no need for alarm.
However, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is eagerly preparing for a close encounter with an impressive space rock.
As scientists see this as an opportunity to study the ancient celestial object, a cosmic relic that may reveal clues about our solar system’s origins. Studying them gives scientists a rare glimpse into the distant past, like looking into a cosmic time capsule.
Asteroids, often called minor planets, are ancient remnants from the solar system’s formation around 2.07 billion years ago.
Unlike planets, these rocky bodies lack atmospheres and follow unique orbits around the Sun. Their sizes and compositions vary, with most remaining relatively unchanged since their creation.
The Chicxulub asteroid, believed to have caused the dinosaur extinction, serves as a reminder of the importance of this work.
By tracking objects like asteroid 2020 WG, NASA partners with international agencies to identify and classify potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs), ensuring Earth’s safety.
While the proximity of a large asteroid may sound unnerving, it opens doors to valuable research. NASA plans to capture extensive data during this event to refine future tracking methods and enhance our understanding of ancient space rocks.
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