NASA Warns of Close Pass by Asteroid 2024 UW9: Is there risk of Collision?

NASA has issued a warning about asteroid 2024 UW9, which will pass close to Earth today.

The asteroid is about 140 feet wide, similar in size to India Gate in Delhi. It will be closest to Earth on November 20, 2024, at 4:07 PM IST.

While there is no risk of a collision, its close approach highlights the potential danger of asteroids that pass near Earth.

Asteroid 2024 UW9 is classified as a Near-Earth Object (NEO).

It is part of the Apollo group, meaning its orbit brings it close to Earth's path around the Sun.

It will pass by Earth at a distance of 5,170,000 kilometers, traveling at a speed of 53,224 km/h, about 13 times the distance from Earth to the Moon.

This is a big gap, but it’s still close enough that it makes us think about what would happen if it hit Earth.

If asteroid 2024 UW9 hit Earth, the damage would be huge, like several bombs exploding at once. Luckily, it’s not going to hit Earth. But its close pass shows us the dangers of space objects.

NASA has been watching asteroids like 2024 UW9 for years.

They use special telescopes and radar to track these objects. Through the Planetary Defense Program, NASA works to protect Earth from space threats.