NASA Alert! Two Asteroids Larger Than 100 Feet Will Buzz Earth This Week

Get ready for a cosmic double feature! NASA has issued an alert about two asteroids, both larger than 100 feet, that will be making close approaches to Earth this week. While neither asteroid poses an immediate threat, their size and proximity make them worthy of attention.

Asteroid 2023 BU: A Close Shave

First up is Asteroid 2023 BU, which is estimated to be between 36 and 82 feet wide. This space rock will make its closest approach to Earth on January 26, 2023, passing just 2,200 miles above our planet’s surface. This is closer than some of our communication satellites, making it a particularly close encounter.

Asteroid 2023 CF1: Following Suit

Hot on the heels of 2023 BU comes Asteroid 2023 CF1, a slightly larger asteroid measuring between 102 and 230 feet wide. This asteroid will zoom past Earth on February 24, 2023, at a distance of approximately 4.1 million miles. While this distance may seem significant, it’s considered a close approach in astronomical terms.

No Cause for Alarm

Despite their close proximity, both asteroids are classified as “near-Earth objects” (NEOs) but pose no immediate threat to Earth. NASA’s planetary defense experts closely monitor these objects and will continue to track their trajectories.

Why Are These Encounters Important?

These close encounters serve as valuable opportunities for scientists to study these celestial objects up close. Data gathered from these flybys helps us understand the composition, size, and trajectory of asteroids, providing crucial information for future planetary defense efforts.

Stay Informed with NASA

NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is a vital resource for information on asteroid encounters. The CNEOS website provides up-to-date information on known asteroids, including their size, trajectory, and potential risk.

Join the Conversation

What do you think about these close encounters? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

Keywords: NASA, Asteroid, Near-Earth Object, NEO, Asteroid 2023 BU, Asteroid 2023 CF1, Planetary Defense, Space, Astronomy, Science, Close Approach, Earth, CNEOS