This week, Earth is facing a unique cosmic spectacle with the arrival of five asteroids, one of which is the size of a sports stadium, bringing attention to the dynamic nature of space and the importance of continuous monitoring.
The Celestial Lineup:
- Asteroid 2008 OS7 (Stadium-Sized): Measuring approximately 890 feet in diameter, this giant is set to make its closest approach on February 2, passing within 1.77 million miles of Earth.
- Asteroid 2024 AU4 (Building-Size): Described as “building-size” with a diameter of around 260 feet, this asteroid is expected to pass by Earth on Sunday at a distance of about 3.92 million miles.
- Asteroid 2007 EG (Airplane-Size): With an approximate size, this asteroid is anticipated to come within a distance of around 3.8 million miles on Tuesday.
The Week’s Celestial Drama:
This sequence of close encounters emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and observation of near-Earth objects. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Asteroid Watch website is actively tracking these events, providing valuable information to the public and researchers alike.
Understanding Potentially Hazardous Objects:
NASA categorizes “potentially hazardous objects” (PHO) as asteroids and comets larger than 500 feet that are predicted to come within 4.7 million miles of Earth. While the majority of near-Earth objects pose no risk, the tracking and study of PHOs are crucial to assessing potential risks.
OSIRIS-APEX Mission:
In December, NASA launched the OSIRIS-REx Follow-On Sample Return (OSIRIS-APEX) mission to study the asteroid Apophis, known as the “God of Chaos.” Apophis, measuring approximately 370 yards across, will make an exceptionally close pass by Earth at a distance of only 20,000 miles in 2029.
The OSIRIS-APEX mission aims to gather vital data about Apophis, enhancing our understanding of potentially hazardous celestial bodies and improving our ability to assess and mitigate potential risks in the future.
While The Post reached out to NASA for comment, there has been no immediate response. Monitoring and studying near-Earth objects remain integral aspects of space agencies’ efforts to understand and potentially mitigate any risks associated with celestial bodies that come close to our planet.
