NASA Alert! 106-ft Asteroid Headed Towards Earth At 58051 Kmph: Check Time And Distance

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An airplane-sized asteroid is headed towards Earth today.

NASA is tracking the asteroid 2021 JG9, which will make a close approach to Earth today, May 10, 2024. There is no need to be alarmed - the asteroid will safely zoom past our planet at a distance of approximately 6.4 million kilometres (4 million miles), which is over 16 times farther than the Moon.

The asteroid today, which is classified as an Apollo group asteroid due to its orbital path, is estimated to be about 106 feet (32 metres) in diameter and is travelling at a blazing-fast speed of 58,051 kilometres per hour (36,070 mph) relative to Earth. While this may sound alarming, most near-Earth objects (NEOs) pose no threat as they travel on paths that keep them safely at bay. The asteroid 2021 JG9 will make a close flyby at around 11:13 UTC (4:43 PM IST) today.

Thankfully, according to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), 2021 JG9 is not considered a "potentially hazardous object." These are asteroids larger than 460 feet (140 metres) in diameter that come within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) of Earth's orbit. CNEOS continuously monitors all known near-Earth objects to ensure any potential impact threats are identified well in advance.

What Happens If It Hits Earth?

Even in the unlikely event an asteroid on this size scale were to hit Earth, the impact would likely occur over the ocean or an unpopulated area. The impact would create a powerful explosion, potentially triggering a strong shockwave and localised tsunamis if it struck near the coast. However, the effects would be far less catastrophic than the asteroid impacts depicted in Hollywood movies.

NASA, along with other space agencies around the world, maintains a comprehensive Near-Earth Object Observation Program to track and study asteroids and comets that could potentially pose a threat to our planet. This ongoing effort helps ensure we have ample warning time to prepare for any future close encounters.