NASA usually monitors asteroids that have the potential to impact Earth. He routinely notes that most of these asteroids are small and harmless. Yet there is often a suspicion that a large asteroid could be lurking in space. Recently, a refrigerator-sized asteroid passed near Earth.
NASA surprised by asteroid coming from unexpected direction
Scientists were quite worried about the issue. But it wasn’t the size of the asteroid that worried them. At this point the object came from the direction of the sun. This was something that scientists did not expect. Because they didn’t have the idea that it was there.
Asteroid 2021 UA1, the third closest asteroid to earth
The object, named Asteroid 2021 UA1, was recorded as the third closest asteroid to Earth so far. The small size of the asteroid passing a distance of 3000 kilometers does not pose any risk. Astronomers said last Sunday that the asteroid approached the planet passing over Antarctica.
Although it seems close to 3,000 kilometers, this puts it outside the ISS (International Space Station). Even if the asteroid, about 2 meters in diameter, had entered the planet’s atmosphere, it would have burned to pieces before hitting the ground. Tony Dunn, an astronomer, made some statements on the subject.
Dunn says the sun from the daytime sky is surprising as it comes from behind the asteroid. This approach of the object thus rendered it invisible until approaching. The closest-ever asteroid to Earth had passed several hundred miles from the planet. Scientists named it Asteroid 2020 VT4. Apart from that, the asteroids that have passed so far were too small to damage the planet.
What do you guys think about the events happening around our world? Don’t forget to mention your ideas in the comments section!
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