NASA is monitoring asteroid 2024 ME1, measuring 120 feet (37 meters) in width, as it approaches Earth closely on July 10, 2024. This object, similar in size to an airplane, is moving through space at an impressive speed. Details sought include its velocity, the nearest approach to Earth, the timing of its encounter with our planet, and assessments on its classification as a potentially hazardous asteroid.
Asteroid 2024 ME1 Details
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On July 10 at 14:51 UTC (8:21 PM IST), asteroid 2024 ME1, a member of the Amor group, will speed past Earth at an astonishing 30,215 kilometers per hour (18,774 miles per hour). It will pass by safely at a comfortable distance of 4.3 million kilometers (2.7 million miles), approximately 11 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
What are Amor Asteroids?
Amor asteroids, such as 2024 ME1, follow orbits that approach Earth’s orbit without intersecting it. These paths are meticulously monitored by NASA and other space agencies, ensuring early identification of any potential threats. This ongoing surveillance enables scientists to predict and track these celestial objects with exceptional accuracy.
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Asteroids are remnants from the early solar system, providing valuable information about its formation and history. Though 2024 ME1 poses no threat to Earth, its flyby offers scientists a unique opportunity to study its characteristics and behaviour, enhancing our understanding of these celestial objects.
Public interest in space and potential asteroid impacts has grown in recent years, partly due to the increasing accessibility of space-related news and the dramatic portrayal of such events in movies. While the news of 2024 ME1 speeding through space at over 30,000 kilometres per hour might sound concerning, rest assured that this asteroid will pass Earth at a safe distance.
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