NASA Alerts Public of 500-Foot Asteroid Passing Near Earth

NASA has alerted the public about Asteroid 2020 WG, a 500-foot near-Earth asteroid set to pass by Earth on October 28, 2024. Despite its large size and speed, it will remain at a safe distance of 3.33 million kilometers. Through advanced monitoring systems, NASA ensures Earth remains protected from potential asteroid impacts.

NASA has issued an alert about Asteroid 2020 WG, a massive 500-foot asteroid classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). Scheduled to pass Earth on October 28, 2024, at 12:04 PM IST, it will approach at a distance of approximately 3.33 million kilometers, moving at an astonishing speed of 33,947 km/h.

As part of the Apollo group, 2020 WG’s orbit frequently intersects with Earth’s path, making it essential for NASA to track closely. While this asteroid is large enough to cause widespread devastation if it were to hit Earth, its current distance is outside NASA’s immediate risk threshold.

NASA monitors objects like 2020 WG through its Near-Earth Object Program, using advanced tools such as Pan-STARRS, NEOWISE, and the Goldstone Solar System Radar to accurately track their trajectories and safeguard against potential impacts. This vigilant tracking confirms that 2020 WG poses no immediate threat to Earth.