The Earth is facing the challenge of asteroids every day. On Tuesday, a rock of about 290 feet height passed close to the earth. Today i.e. Wednesday, two asteroids are coming close to our planet. The size of one of these is 59 feet, while the other is 48 feet. If an asteroid collides with our Earth, it can cause great destruction. Scientists monitor them through different techniques and keep an eye on an asteroid until it goes far away from the Earth.
According to NASA JPL website, the name of the first asteroid coming close to the Earth today is – (2023 UZ3). When an asteroid the size of a house will be closest to the Earth, the distance between the two will be 10 lakh 30 thousand kilometers. This may seem like a lot to you, but it is nothing compared to the vast universe.
Asteroids belonging to the Apollo groups (2023 UZ3) are considered potentially hazardous to Earth. However, it is not likely to hit our planet. Any asteroid that comes close to the Earth within 8 million kilometers is kept in the category of ‘potentially dangerous’.
The name of the second asteroid coming near the Earth today is (2013 UV3). It also belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids and will pass through a distance of 56 lakh 20 thousand kilometers. It is also not likely to collide with the Earth, but scientists will monitor this rocky disaster until it moves away from the Earth.
Most asteroids are found in the main asteroid belt, which lies between Mars and Jupiter. Their size can range from 10 meters to 530 kilometers. The total mass of all the asteroids discovered so far is less than that of the Earth’s Moon.
When an asteroid is discovered, it is named by the International Astronomical Union Committee. The name can be anything, but a number is also added to it like – (99942) Apophis. Asteroids are also named after artists, scientists and historical characters.
