2023-12-06 15:16:36
Asteroid 139622 (2001 QQ142) to fly close to Earth posing potential danger
The US Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued a warning regarding the close approach of asteroid 139622 (2001 QQ142), with a diameter between 540 and 1,200 meters, and a speed of 6.66 kilometers per second. The asteroid is set to fly at a distance of 5.5 million kilometers from Earth and could pose a potential danger.
According to NASA, the asteroid is expected to approach Earth at nine o’clock tonight, universal time, and will be separated from Earth by a distance of 0.036 astronomical units, which is just over 5.5 million kilometers. This puts it within the range of astronomical objects that are considered dangerous as they cross the Earth’s orbit at a distance of up to 0.05 astronomical units, or less than 7.5 million kilometers.
The asteroid, originally discovered by astronomers on August 22, 2001, has returned to the “field of view” of space researchers after completing its orbit 22 years later.
NASA has assured that they are closely monitoring the trajectory of the asteroid and will provide updates as needed.
This close approach serves as a reminder of the potential threats from asteroids and the importance of continued monitoring and research in planetary defense.
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