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While asteroids pass Earth at close distances almost on a daily basis, none of them are potentially world-ending. NASA classifies asteroids as ‘Potentially Hazardous’ if they come within 7.5 million kilometers of Earth and have a size bigger than 150 meters. Although these space rocks are in their own orbits in space, a slight deflection in the asteroid’s trajectory due to interaction with Earth’s gravitational field can send it tumbling towards Earth for a potential impact.
Although asteroids have been safely passing near Earth these past few months, it doesn’t mean a collision with the planet isn’t on the cards. In fact, an asteroid was the reason behind the extinction of one of the largest species on the planet nearly 65 million years ago – dinosaurs.
With the help of its advanced tech, NASA has now revealed details about a colossal asteroid that is set to make its closest approach to Earth today!
Asteroid 1994 XD information
Scientists are intrigued by Asteroid 1994 XD, due to its colossal size. According to NASA, the asteroid is estimated to be roughly 1500 feet wide, which is comparable in size to a large bridge, possibly the famous Brooklyn Bridge! Given its enormity, if Asteroid 1994 XD were to collide with the planet, it could cause immense destruction, particularly if it landed in a densely populated region.
As per the space agency, Asteroid 1994 XD is set to reach its nearest distance to Earth today, June 12, at a distance of 3.1 million kilometers. As a result, it has been added to NASA’s Close Approaches list and has also been declared as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid. While this distance may seem considerable, it’s relatively minor in terms of astronomical measurements, considering the massive size of the asteroid. In fact, Asteroid 1994 XD is already dashing towards Earth, at a fiery speed of 77301 kilometers per hour!
Other details
NASA has revealed that Asteroid 1994 XD made its very first approach to Earth back on May 31, 1904, at a distance of 2.5 million kilometers, while its last approach was on November 27, 2012. It belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids which are Earth-crossing space rocks with semi-major axes larger than Earth’s.
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