USA: The asteroid 2022 YR1 is 72 feet wide and is currently traveling towards Earth. According to NASA (January 1, 2023), the space rock will come dangerously close to our planet on Sunday.
The icy body is coming in our direction at a speed of 21,744 km/h. The space agency is closely monitoring its trajectory until the asteroid makes a safe passage.
Asteroid impacts can be extremely damaging. They can have a wide range of effects, from climate change to the extinction of entire species.
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A serious threat to us may come from space rocks that could alter Earthly life. There must be some means to protect us from their attacks. Good to know that NASA is working on asteroid collision avoidance strategies.
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The Center for Near Earth Object Studies at NASA has added the asteroid 2022 YR1 to its database (CNEOS).
The space agency claims that the space rock is traveling at an astonishing speed of 21,744 km/h. NASA is monitoring the movement of the asteroid with the help of its planetary defense system. It is expected to pass safely by us.
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Any object that comes within 7.4 million kilometers of Earth is usually classified as "potentially hazardous". Asteroid 2022 YR1 will pass very close to our planet. When it comes close to us, it will be about 6.25 million kilometers away.
Despite being so close to us, NASA believes that the asteroid will pass safely by us. However, a last-minute unexpected detour could change its course.
2022 YS6, a 42-foot asteroid, is also traveling in Earth's direction. At a distance of about 1.79 million km, it would be coming towards us at a speed of 34,956 km/h. This should not put us in danger in any way.