Do you know {that a} 1000-pound area rock crashed on Earth this yr? No, this is not some plot of a science fiction movie however actuality. NASA revealed {that a} meteorite was an atmospheric fireball and crashed close to McAllen, Texas, on February 15. It was a 1000-pound rock that was 2 ft in diameter because it broke into items about 21 miles above Earth’s floor. In response to NASA, the meteor’s pace was about 27,000 miles per hour and it had an power of about 8 tons of TNT. In response to a number of stories, legislation enforcement businesses within the McAllen area obtained a number of calls from residents who reported listening to a loud explosion.
Whereas not anticipated to hit Earth, NASA has warned that one other area rock will go Earth at very shut proximity in the present day, June 26. Know particulars
When will the asteroid go Earth?
In response to the information printed by CNEOS, an asteroid designated as Asteroid 2023 ME1 is approaching Earth at a ferocious pace and is anticipated to make its closest strategy to the planet in the present day, June 26. It should come as shut as 4.8 million kilometers, and whereas this distance may appear loads, it’s comparatively a small quantity in astronomical distances, contemplating how large the asteroid is.
How briskly is it going?
Shockingly, the asteroid is hurtling in the direction of Earth at fearsome pace. In response to the small print launched by NASA, this area rock is at the moment travelling in the direction of Earth at 43685 kilometers per hour, which is a number of occasions quicker than a hypersonic ballistic missile!
How large is it?
NASA estimates it to be round 88 ft broad, and whereas it is not large enough to be referred to as a planet-killer, it may be in comparison with an plane by way of measurement! It belongs to the Apollo group of Close to-Earth Asteroids, that are Earth-crossing area rocks with semi-major axes bigger than Earth’s. These asteroids are named after the humongous 1862 Apollo asteroid, found by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth within the Thirties.