Asteroid the Size of Brooklyn Bridge Labeled ‘Potentially Hazardous’ Passes by Earth

NASA has said that a “potentially hazardous” asteroid measuring the size of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is projected to make a close approach to Earth on June 15.

The asteroid is hurtling through space at an astonishing speed of over 48,000 mph. Its projected close approach marks the nearest encounter with an asteroid in recent history, sparking concerns about the potential threat it poses to our planet.

Designated 2020 DB5, the asteroid has been labeled a potentially hazardous object owing to its sheer size and proximity. It is currently positioned over 2.5 million miles away from Earth.

Although it may sound alarming, NASA assures that there is no risk of a collision with our planet.

The classification of being potentially hazardous is a precautionary measure, as even though the asteroid poses no imminent danger, continuous monitoring of potential threats is crucial.

The 50-foot-wide space rock, hurtling through space at tens of thousands of miles per hour, would release energy equivalent to the nuclear bombs dropped over Japan during World War II if it were to collide with Earth.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, is monitoring 2020 DB5. The agency says that near-Earth objects are asteroids and comets with orbits that bring them to within 120 million miles of the sun, which means they can circulate through the Earth’s orbital neighborhood. Most such objects range in size from about 10 feet to nearly 25 miles across.

The agency says that it calculates the trajectory of an object by finding the elliptical path through space based on available observations over many years. Experts are then able to fine-tune a more precise path by making more observations, making it possible to predict where an object will be years or even decades into the future, including whether it could come close to Earth.

This is not the first encounter with 2020 DB5, as it made its initial approach in 1904 and last in 2012.

Detecting such asteroids is crucial, and NASA relies on specialized telescopes like Pan-STARRS, located in Hawaii and Arizona, to gather data on their paths and attributes. The primary objective is to identify potentially dangerous objects, allowing for advanced preparation and mitigation measures.

In addition to 2020 DB5, another notable asteroid known as 99942 Apophis is currently under scrutiny. Previously believed to be on a collision course with Earth, scientists now predict a significantly close approach in 2029. This particular rock is projected to come closer to our planet than many geostationary satellites, raising concerns about the potential consequences if its path were to deviate.

Asteroids of varying sizes constantly pass in proximity to Earth. One measuring 59 feet wide had a close approach this week, while another asteroid, named 2023 jb3, measuring 160 feet wide, is also set to pass nearby, albeit at a slower pace.

The discovery and tracking of hazardous asteroids remain at the forefront of NASA’s efforts. While numerous new asteroids are identified on a regular basis, some are detected mere days before their closest approach, leaving no time for defensive actions.

As scientists continue their vigilant watch over the skies, the importance of monitoring and mitigating the potential impact of asteroids on our planet remains a significant priority.