Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA issued a warning about a bus-sized asteroid, named 2024 TW2, which made a close flyby of Earth on October 7.
The asteroid, measuring about 21 feet in diameter, was hurtling through space at a speed of 60,968 km/h. Despite its high velocity, NASA reassured that it did not not pose any immediate threat to Earth.
2024 TW2 passed Earth at a distance of 288,000 kilometres, slightly closer than the average distance between the Earth and the Moon.
Although it was flying near Earth, the asteroid did not meet the criteria to be classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA), which are typically larger in size and come much closer to the planet.
Asteroids of this size (21 feet) are unlikely to cause any significant damage if they enter Earth’s atmosphere. They tend to burn up upon entry, posing minimal threat.
NASA regularly monitors Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) like 2024 TW2. These asteroids are identified and tracked through an extensive network of telescopes and advanced computational systems to assess any potential risks.
Asteroids larger than 460 feet (140 meters) and passing within 7.5 million kilometers of Earth are classified as PHAs, which are tracked more closely due to their potential impact risk.
NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) continuously monitors NEOs, ensuring that any potential threats are identified early, though most objects do not come close enough to require concern.