Nasa Asteroid News: Usually, the night sky is filled with serenity, only to be stolen away with this dramatic news of a stadium-sized asteroid currently on track to brush past Earth on August 20, says NASA.
NASA Tracker for 1997 QK1
Asteroid 1997 QK1 is its official name, which is estimated to be 990 feet wide, roughly equal to the size of a football stadium. Moving through space at 21,994 miles per hour, it will come within 1.87 million miles of the Earth during closest approach.
Sounds of this asteroid come from far away; astronomically, the term is often used to describe a close approach. The asteroid belongs to the Aten group, a common near-Earth object whose orbit crosses Earth frequently.
Is This Asteroid Dangerous for Earth?
Asteroids of this size do not pose a threat, scientists say. NASA considers an asteroid as “potentially hazardous” if it is at least 85 meters across and approaches within 7.4 million kilometers of Earth. 1997 QK1 meets no such criteria.
Why Are There Agencies Tracking Asteroids?
These harmless flybys are as close to being studied as interstellar observation can get. Any minor orbital alteration could change the asteroid’s long-term trajectory only slightly, which is actually what compels agencies to track these cosmic rocks so strictly.
ISRO Chairman Somanath recently stated that the country is developing an interest in asteroid research. Future missions may thus involve visiting much bigger space objects like Apophis that will make a major flyby in 2029. Partnerships are also in the pipeline with NASA, ESA, and JAXA.
Why Is Tracking Asteroids Like 1997 QK1 Crucial?
If you know that 1997 QK1 will happily pass by this time, as it serves as a reminder that our solar system is far from dormant. It has continuous monitoring, which ensures humanity stays prepared for unexpected cosmic encounters.
For now, Earth can rest easy; the asteroid will pass without harm, but scientists’ watchful eyes remain fixed on the skies.
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