Airplane-Sized Asteroid To Come Scarily Close To Earth Today, NASA Warns: Check Size, Time, And Distance

Airplane-Sized Asteroid To Come Scarily Close To Earth Today, NASA Warns: Check Size, Time, And Distance

New Delhi: An asteroid the size of an airplane will make a close approach to Earth today, April 29, NASA has warned. The asteroid, dubbed 2023 GX3, was discovered on April 13 and is estimated to be between 157 and 350 feet in diameter, roughly the size of a Boeing 737.

Time and Distance: The asteroid is expected to pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 2.2 million kilometers (1.4 million miles). It will make its closest approach at 7:56 pm ET (11:56 pm GMT).

Risk of Impact: NASA has classified 2023 GX3 as a “near-Earth object” (NEO) due to its close approach to Earth. However, the agency has also emphasized that the asteroid poses no impact threat to our planet.

Monitoring and Tracking: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California is closely monitoring the asteroid’s trajectory using telescopes and radar systems. JPL scientists are tracking the size, shape, and path of GX3 to ensure that it remains a safe distance from Earth.

Importance of Monitoring: Monitoring NEOs is crucial for planetary defense. By identifying and tracking potential impactors, scientists can assess their risks and develop mitigation strategies if necessary.

Additional Information:

The asteroid 2023 GX3 is part of the Apollo group of asteroids, which are known for their Earth-crossing orbits.
While today’s close approach is significant, it is not the closest asteroid encounter on record. In 2023 alone, several other NEOs have passed closer to Earth.
NASA has identified over 29,000 NEOs and is actively working to track and characterize them.

Keywords: Airplane-Sized Asteroid, Earth, NASA, 2023 GX3, Near-Earth Object, Planetary Defense, Monitoring, Tracking