In the coming week, Earth is set to have five close encounters with asteroids, according to NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard. These asteroids vary in size and will pass within a certain distance of our planet between September 6 and September 12. Although the thought of asteroids passing Earth may sound intimidating, there is no need to panic as none of these space rocks pose a threat to our planet.
The largest asteroid of the bunch, named JA5, is approximately the size of a house. On September 6, it will approach Earth but still remain a safe distance away, passing within 3.17 million miles. Following this, two asteroids, QC5 and GE, will pass by our planet on September 8. QC5 has a size comparable to an airplane, measuring around 79 feet, while GE is about the size of a bus, measuring approximately 26 feet.
QF6, another airplane-sized asteroid, will come closest to Earth on September 10, passing about 1.65 million miles from our planet. With a size of approximately 68 feet, it will be an interesting sight for astronomy enthusiasts. Lastly, on September 12, the final expected asteroid, RT2, measuring about 25 feet, will fly by Earth, at a distance of about 2,620,000 miles away.
It is worth noting that none of these asteroids meet the criteria to be classified as “potentially hazardous” objects. This classification is reserved for rocks larger than about 490 feet. Therefore, there is no reason to be alarmed as these asteroids do not pose a danger.
For those interested in tracking these celestial bodies, NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard and “Eyes on Asteroids” webpage provide real-time information and visualization. These platforms utilize data from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies, allowing users to stay informed about asteroids and comets in close proximity to Earth.
So, keep your eyes on the sky during the first half of September, as these five asteroids make their way past our planet. Although they are not a threat, they offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the wonders of our solar system.
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