Bus-Sized 40-Foot Asteroid Hurtling Toward Earth at High Speed Today

A bus-sized asteroid named 2024 TY21 is scheduled to pass Earth on October 19. Measuring approximately 40 feet in diameter, it will fly by at a safe distance of 840,000 miles, with NASA confirming that there is no threat to our planet.

Asteroids, also known as minor planets, orbit the Sun in our solar system and are remnants from its formation 4.6 billion years ago. Unlike planets, asteroids lack an atmosphere, and their size and structure can vary significantly, with many remaining unchanged since their early days.

NASA’s Role in Asteroid Monitoring

NASA actively tracks asteroid movements using advanced observational tools, enabling scientists to predict any potential risks to Earth. Historical events, such as the Chicxulub asteroid that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, underscore the importance of this monitoring.

NASA and other space agencies focus on studying potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). While 2024 TY21 poses no danger, its close approach provides valuable data that will enhance future predictive models. Understanding asteroids is essential for safeguarding Earth from potential impacts in the future.