NASA: Asteroid, as large as the Golden Gate Bridge, is heading toward the Earth; know the risk
NASA: After a brief period of calm, a massive asteroid is yet again headed towards the Earth, according to the American space agency. The incoming asteroid is a massive 450-meters wide space rock, which can be compared to the famous Golden Gate Bridge located in San Francisco. An asteroid this size is classified as an apollo-class asteroid. But due to its close proximity to the Earth, this near-Earth object or (NEO) has also been labeled as a potentially hazardous asteroid. If this asteroid struck the Earth, it could cause widespread destruction and generate strong earthquakes and tsunamis. So, is there a chance for a potential hit? Read on to find out.
According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory by NASA, the asteroid hurtling towards the Earth is named 418135 (2008 AG33). The 457 meters or 1,500-feet wide asteroid is expected to make its closest approach to the Earth at a distance of 3,240,000 kilometers. Do not make the mistake of considering the distance too large to worry about. It should be remembered that in terms of astronomical distances, it is a small number and considering the high speed of these asteroids, these distances can be covered in a short span of time. In terms of astronomical units, this asteroid’s closest approach to Earth will be at a distance of just 0.015 au.
The asteroid 2008 AG33 has a massive orbit where one revolution takes it about 18 years to complete. At its closest point to the Sun or perihelion, it comes as close as the Earth and on the other hand, at its aphelion or the furthest point from the Sun, it goes as far as the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Coming from the asteroid belt, this asteroid also possesses a high speed of more than 25,000 km/h. At this speed, if it were to
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