NASA Tracking Car-Sized Asteroid Approaching Earth Tomorrow
Summary
NASA is observing a car-sized asteroid called 2026 CR2 that will pass close to Earth on February 17. This asteroid will miss the planet by about 84,800 miles and other asteroids are also expected to pass Earth this week at various distances. NASA and other organizations continually monitor such space objects to assess any potential threats.Key Facts
- The asteroid 2026 CR2 is about 9.7 feet wide and will travel past Earth at 12,616 miles per hour.
- Its closest approach to Earth will be 84,800 miles away.
- Multiple other asteroids, including some plane-sized and stadium-sized, will pass Earth this week at distances ranging from about 1,290,000 miles to 4,140,000 miles.
- Small asteroids up to 30 feet across impact Earth roughly once every ten years, usually causing only minor effects like fireballs or sonic booms.
- A larger asteroid, 2024 YR4, has a minimal chance of hitting Earth in 2032 but may instead collide with the Moon.
- NASA plans further observations of asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2028 when it is again near Earth.
- The Minor Planet Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory verifies asteroid data and shares it publicly.
- NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office works with international partners to track and analyze potential asteroid threats.
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