NASA Warns of Skyscraper-Sized Asteroid Passing Close to Earth on August

NASA has issued a warning about a skyscraper-sized asteroid, named ‘2024 KH3,’ which will make a close approach to Earth on August 10. The asteroid, measuring 610 feet (186 meters) in diameter, is hurtling through space at high speed. Despite being classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its proximity, it poses no immediate threat.
On its closest approach, 2024 KH3 will be 3,470,000 miles from Earth, which is approximately 14 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. For comparison, the average distance from Earth to the Moon is about 239,000 miles (385,000 kilometers).
Discovered earlier this year, 2024 KH3 is under close observation by NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, which monitors near-Earth objects to assess any potential risks. While this encounter is safe, it underscores the importance of continuous monitoring of asteroids that come close to Earth.
Asteroids like 2024 KH3 are remnants from the early solar system and offer valuable insights into the origins of our cosmic environment. The asteroid’s current trajectory indicates it will safely pass by Earth, continuing its journey through space.

Additional asteroid approaches are expected in August 2024:

August 10: Asteroid 2024 PK1, measuring 110 feet (34 meters), will come within 4,010,000 miles (6,460,000 kilometers) of Earth.
– August 11: Asteroid 2024 PK2, 83 feet (25 meters) in size, will approach Earth, coming within 795,000 miles (1,280,000 kilometers).
– August 12: Asteroid 2024 ON2, measuring 120 feet (37 meters), will pass by Earth at a distance of 4,180,000 miles (6,720,000 kilometers).
– August 13: Asteroid 2024 PS1, the smallest of the group at 58 feet (18 meters), will approach Earth, coming within 846,000 miles (1,360,000 kilometers).
These upcoming asteroid flybys highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in tracking near-Earth objects.

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