Latest news with #Aten
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
NASA alert! 95-foot asteroid 2025 ME92 to fly past Earth on July 31 at 11,000 mph; should we be worried
Source: Live Science A massive asteroid is heading towards Earth, but there's no need to panic—at least not yet. Measuring roughly 95 feet wide, asteroid 2025 ME92 is expected to make its closest approach on July 31, passing by our planet at a safe distance of 3.19 million kilometers. While the asteroid poses no immediate threat, its approach has caught the attention of global space agencies, including NASA and ISRO. Belonging to the Aten group, known for Earth-crossing orbits, ME92's flyby serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in space and the critical importance of planetary defense strategies. Asteroid 2025 ME92 to zoom past Earth on July 31: Distance and speed According to NASA, asteroid 2025 ME92 will zoom past Earth at a staggering speed of 11,831 miles per hour. Though it will maintain a safe distance of 3.19 million kilometers, that proximity is considered relatively close by astronomical standards. This asteroid is classified within the Aten group, a family of near-Earth objects (NEOs) whose orbits often intersect with Earth's. While ME92 does not currently meet NASA's criteria for a potentially hazardous asteroid—which requires the object to be larger than 85 meters and closer than 7.4 million kilometers—it is still under close observation due to the unpredictability of orbital shifts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Why scientists continue monitoring "safe" asteroids Although 2025 ME92 doesn't qualify as a dangerous object, scientists are not letting their guard down. Even small gravitational tugs or solar radiation pressure can alter an asteroid's trajectory over time. These changes, though subtle, could eventually lead to a collision risk in the future. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) continues to maintain an active watchlist of asteroids, using both ground-based and space-based telescopes to refine orbital predictions and simulate impact scenarios—just in case. For now, asteroid 2025 ME92 will pass by Earth without incident, serving as yet another reminder that space is not as distant or silent as it appears. With hundreds of thousands of asteroids and near-Earth objects moving through our cosmic neighborhood, the need for international cooperation and continuous tracking grows more urgent by the day. The flyby of ME92 may be harmless, but it reinforces a universal truth: planetary defense is no longer optional—it's essential. ISRO's role in planetary defense India's ISRO is also keeping a close eye on near-Earth objects. Chairman S. Somanath has recently spoken about the agency's long-term interest in asteroid impact prevention, citing the example of Apophis, a larger asteroid that will make an exceptionally close approach in 2029. ISRO aims to collaborate with international partners like NASA, ESA, and JAXA to enhance its planetary defense capabilities. Plans include launching asteroid landing missions to better understand the composition and dynamics of these celestial bodies—critical data that can help devise deflection techniques in case of a real threat. Also Read | Solar Eclipse August 2 will bring 6 minutes of total darkness; Check, date, time, and visibility areas for a once-in-100-years phenomenon
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns building-sized asteroid 2022 YS5 set for close Earth flyby on July 17; here's why scientists are on alert
Asteroid 2022 YS5 is a building-sized asteroid that is scheduled to make a close approach to Earth on July 17, capturing the attention of astronomers, scientists, and space agencies worldwide. Although the asteroid is expected to fly past Earth at a safe distance, the event underscores the increasing importance of planetary defense systems, ongoing asteroid monitoring , and global cooperation in space. Both NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have confirmed that 2022 YS5 poses no threat, but are treating this event as a timely reminder of the need for continued vigilance and preparedness. NASA's asteroid 2022 YS5 to flyby on July 17: Size and distance The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has officially confirmed that asteroid 2022 YS5, measuring approximately 120 feet (36.5 meters) in diameter, will pass Earth at a distance of about 4.15 million kilometers (roughly 2.58 million miles). While that may sound like a vast distance, it is considered relatively close in astronomical terms, especially given the asteroid's speed of over 14,000 miles per hour (22,500 km/h). 2022 YS5 belongs to the Aten group of near-Earth asteroids, known for having orbits that can cross Earth's path. However, NASA has made it clear that this particular asteroid does not qualify as potentially hazardous, as it does not meet the two key risk criteria: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Earn Upto 5k Daily By This Method of Intraday Trading TradeWise Learn More Undo Proximity: Within 7.4 million kilometers (4.6 million miles) of Earth Size: Greater than 85 meters in diameter Since 2022 YS5 falls short on both counts, its flyby is being monitored but not considered dangerous. ISRO prepares for asteroid threats with focus on Apophis 2029 Although 2022 YS5 is not a cause for concern, India's space agency ISRO is taking proactive steps to address the broader challenge of potential asteroid impacts. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has reiterated the importance of enhancing planetary defense infrastructure, with a focus on future close encounters involving larger, potentially hazardous objects. A key point of interest for ISRO is asteroid Apophis, which will make a very close approach to Earth in 2029. In preparation for this event and others like it, ISRO is considering scientific observation missions, collaborative efforts with other space agencies, and technology development aimed at early detection and deflection strategies. India prepares for Apophis 2029 and future asteroids To strengthen its planetary defense efforts, ISRO is actively exploring collaborations with international partners, including: NASA (United States) ESA (European Space Agency) JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) These partnerships aim to develop and deploy space missions capable of landing on asteroids, analyzing their composition, and testing mitigation techniques, such as impact deflection or gravitational tug methods. Such missions will not only advance scientific understanding but also provide crucial data for early threat identification, significantly enhancing our ability to protect Earth from unforeseen space events. Why monitoring even small asteroids matters While asteroid 2022 YS5 is not hazardous, scientists emphasize that even small orbital shifts—due to gravitational influences, solar radiation, or cosmic collisions—can significantly alter an asteroid's trajectory over time. This is why continuous observation and cataloging of near-Earth objects (NEOs) remains a top priority for global space agencies. Advanced tracking systems, predictive modeling, and contingency planning are essential tools that help the scientific community stay ahead of potential threats—no matter how distant or seemingly insignificant they may appear today. 2022 YS5 flyby highlights need for global vigilance in planetary defense The safe flyby of asteroid 2022 YS5 may pass unnoticed by most people, but for space scientists and planetary defense experts, it is a crucial reminder: complacency is not an option when it comes to space hazards. The event highlights the need for sustained investment in detection technology, international cooperation, and preparedness planning. As space becomes increasingly accessible, and the threat of asteroid impacts—however rare—remains real, humanity's efforts to monitor and protect Earth must continue with precision, foresight, and global unity. In the vast silence of space, a vigilant eye on the sky is our best defense. Also Read | Earth's rotation speeds up, causing shorter days in July due to Moon's new alignment on these dates
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns! 280-foot asteroid 2025 MA90 to make close Earth flyby today at 20,263 mph; here's what you must know
Source: BBC An asteroid the size of a building, officially named asteroid 2025 MA90 , is making a close approach to Earth, drawing global attention from scientists and space agencies. Though the flyby poses no threat, it offers a valuable opportunity to study how such near-Earth objects (NEOs) behave. With NASA confirming the asteroid's safe distance and trajectory, and ISRO expressing renewed interest in planetary defence strategies, the event highlights the importance of early detection and international cooperation. As space agencies track and prepare for future events like Apophis 2029, the flyby of 2025 MA90 reminds us that cosmic vigilance is essential. NASA's asteroid 2025 MA90 to flyby today: Date, speed and distance An asteroid nearly the size of a city building is heading toward Earth, sparking interest but not alarm among scientists. Known as asteroid 2025 MA90, this space rock is being closely monitored as it prepares for a safe flyby on July 15. Measuring approximately 280 feet across and traveling at an impressive 20,263 miles per hour, MA90 is expected to pass by Earth at a distance of about 4 million kilometers. Though the approach is relatively close in cosmic terms, NASA confirms there is no risk of impact. The event serves as a reminder of our planet's vulnerability—and our increasing readiness. According to NASA, asteroid 2025 MA90 is classified as a member of the Aten group of asteroids—a class of near-Earth objects that orbit the Sun and sometimes cross Earth's orbit. However, this particular asteroid does not meet the criteria to be considered potentially hazardous. For an object to qualify as hazardous, it must be at least 85 meters wide and come within 7.4 million kilometers of Earth. While MA90 meets the size threshold, its projected flyby distance of approximately 4,020,000 kilometers places it safely outside the danger zone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Why tracking close approaches of asteroids still matters NASA's scientists continue to track the asteroid's trajectory for any changes, as even minor orbital shifts can affect long-term calculations. Nevertheless, this flyby offers a valuable opportunity for astronomers to study its movement, composition, and behavior in more detail using ground-based and radar observations. Though 2025 MA90 is not a threat, the incident reflects why tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs) is crucial for planetary defence. Even objects that miss Earth can reveal critical data about asteroid orbits, spin rates, and composition. These insights are vital for preparing for potential future threats. NASA and other space agencies around the world maintain extensive monitoring systems to catalog thousands of such asteroids, identifying any that may warrant further observation or mitigation strategies. This proactive approach aims to ensure that humanity is never caught off guard by a surprise impact. ISRO eyes Apophis 2029 and global planetary defence efforts While the focus now is on MA90, India's space agency ISRO has its eyes on a much larger and more complex challenge—the anticipated 2029 flyby of asteroid Apophis. This massive near-Earth object, measuring over 1,200 feet in diameter, will pass alarmingly close to Earth, within a distance of about 32,000 kilometers—closer than many satellites. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has stressed the importance of collaborative global action to address such cosmic threats. He advocates for deeper cooperation between ISRO, NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). Together, these agencies can lead planetary defence missions that include impact deflection tests and potentially even asteroid landings. ISRO is reportedly developing missions that could involve landing on an asteroid, a bold step that would allow scientists to study their surfaces and structure directly. Asteroid MA90 flyby underscores the urgency of global planetary defence The peaceful flyby of asteroid 2025 MA90 should not overshadow the growing urgency in space science to build robust defence strategies. With the increasing detection of NEOs, the global community recognizes that Earth is not immune to cosmic hazards. Events like the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013 have shown how even small asteroids can cause significant damage. Thus, every close encounter becomes both a warning and a learning opportunity. Also Read| Shubhanshu Shukla to return Earth after historic ISS mission; know what he achieved through space experiments
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns! 1200- foot asteroid 2005 VO5 to pass Earth today - know its speed, distance, and potential risk
A massive asteroid, approximately the size of a football stadium, is set to make a close flyby of Earth this week, drawing the attention of sky watchers and astronomers around the globe. Although the near-Earth object poses no immediate threat, its approach serves as a critical reminder of the unpredictable nature of space. Events like these emphasise the growing importance of planetary defence and global efforts in asteroid tracking and space monitoring. With increased awareness and advancements in technology, agencies like NASA and ISRO continue to improve detection systems to safeguard Earth from future asteroid impact risks. Asteroid 2005 VO5 speeding Earth today: Know speed and distance NASA has officially confirmed that asteroid 2005 VO5 will make its closest approach to Earth on July 11, 2025. Travelling at an astonishing speed of over 32,000 miles per hour, the asteroid will pass at a distance of approximately 3.78 million kilometres from our planet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Although that may seem comfortably distant, in astronomical terms, it is considered relatively close. This proximity, combined with the asteroid's significant size—estimated to be about 1,200 feet (370 meters) wide—makes it an object of interest for scientists. NASA monitors asteroid 2005 VO5 closely Despite its size and speed, asteroid 2005 VO5 is not expected to pose any danger to Earth during this pass. It belongs to the Aten group of near-Earth asteroids—space rocks whose orbits often cross Earth's path. While 2005 VO5 will not enter Earth's immediate vicinity, its dimensions qualify it as "potentially hazardous" under NASA's monitoring criteria. NASA classifies any object larger than 85 meters that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as worth tracking. Although VO5 doesn't meet the distance criteria for a potential threat, it's still being closely observed for any unexpected orbital shifts. Even the slightest change in its trajectory could pose a threat in the future. ISRO joins global effort to track and deflect dangerous asteroids India is also taking proactive steps in the field of planetary defence. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), under the leadership of Chairman S. Somanath, has laid out a long-term vision for monitoring and mitigating asteroid threats. In recent remarks, Somanath emphasized the importance of global cooperation and readiness, especially as the world looks ahead to major celestial events—such as the 2029 flyby of asteroid Apophis, one of the largest near-Earth asteroids expected to pass within a close range. ISRO aims to collaborate with global space agencies like NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) to build robust systems for early detection and deflection. Plans are underway for future missions that may land on or closely observe asteroids, testing crucial technologies that could one day protect Earth from potential collisions. Why is it important to monitor asteroid 2005 VO5 While asteroid 2005 VO5 will safely pass by without incident, its visit is far from meaningless. It highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our solar system—and reminds us that space, while awe-inspiring, carries potential threats that demand vigilance. As scientists and agencies worldwide continue to track and study these fast-moving rocks, the event also invites the public to look up at the night sky—not with fear, but with curiosity and awareness. The universe is full of mysteries, and each passing asteroid is a silent message from the cosmos: be prepared, stay alert, and keep watching. Also Read | NASA's DART mission ejected boulders from asteroid Dimorphos, offering new insight into asteroid collision outcomes
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Massive Asteroid As Big As An Airplane To Zoom Past Earth On July 4, Says NASA
NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2025 MV89, a 120-foot-wide space rock approximately the size of a small passenger aeroplane, will safely pass by Earth on July 4. The asteroid will come as close as 1.22 million kilometres, travelling at a speed of 19,441 miles per hour. While this might sound far, it's relatively close in astronomical terms. Belonging to the Aten group of asteroids whose orbits often cross Earth's path, 2025 MV89 is being monitored closely by NASA. However, the agency has clarified that there is no threat from this flyby. For an asteroid to be classified as hazardous, it must be over 150 metres wide and come within 7.4 million kilometres. This object meets neither condition. Still, space agencies are vigilant. Even small orbital shifts could alter future paths, so tracking continues. India's space agency ISRO is also stepping up planetary defence strategies. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently emphasised the need to monitor larger objects like asteroid Apophis, expected to pass Earth in 2029. He also highlighted the importance of collaborating with NASA, ESA, and JAXA to develop stronger systems for asteroid detection and response. ISRO is working on missions that could land on asteroids to assess risks and study ways to protect Earth from potential impacts. While 2025 MV89 poses no danger, it acts as a reminder of the importance of constant space surveillance. Events like this reinforce the need for international collaboration in ensuring Earth remains safe from celestial threats.
