Current:Home > MarketsThis Valentine's Day, love is in the air and a skyscraper-sized asteroid is whizzing past Earth -ThriveEdge Finance
This Valentine's Day, love is in the air and a skyscraper-sized asteroid is whizzing past Earth
View
Date:2025-04-16 13:27:26
It's Valentine's Day, meaning love is in the atmosphere and a giant space rock is expected to pass by just outside of it. Well, maybe not that close, but still pretty close – 4.6 million kilometers or roughly 2.86 million miles – to be more precise.
The asteroid, named 2024 BR4 by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), is loosely estimated to measure between 140 and 300 meters, or 459 and 984 feet in diameter, which is taller than most skyscrapers. Due to its size, it has been deemed "potentially hazardous" by NASA.
Here's what to know about the celestial event.
We're not the only ones with an eclipse:Mars rover captures moon whizzing by sun's outline
When will asteroid 2024 BR4 pass by Earth?
Asteroid 2024 BR4 will pass by Earth on Feb. 14, 2024, around 11:00 UTC.
What is asteroid 2024 BR4?
See a video:NASA tracked a stadium-size asteroid that passed by Earth but was not a threat
The asteroid was first observed during the automatic Catalina Sky Survey in January and was soon after determined to be about 12 million kilometers, or 7.5 million miles, from Earth. It has since approached Earth steadily but is not expected to pass any closer than 4.6 million kilometers, which is still relatively close: a little less than twelve times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
2024 BR4 is believed to be part of a group of asteroids called Apollo, which has an orbit that sometimes overlaps with Earth's. Despite the group's closeness to our planet, scientists don't anticipate any significant impact threat for a few centuries.
Should we be worried about the asteroid?
While the object is traveling through space at about 9.86 kilometers per second, NASA has assured there is no threat of collision. With a tracking system that has recorded 33,000 near-Earth objects, the organization keeps close tabs on all observable space bodies that get a little too close.
This Valentine's Day is the closest this specific space object will get to Earth for the next 120 years, meaning we can rest assured that this asteroid, at least, isn't out to get us anytime soon.
veryGood! (767)
Related
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Long-haul carrier Emirates orders 15 Airbus A350 after engine dispute during Dubai Air Show
- Nevada’s attorney general is investigating fake electors in 2020 for Trump, AP source says
- Is Selling Sunset's Jason Oppenheim Still in Love With Ex Chrishell Stause? He Says…
- 'Most Whopper
- Indian rescuers prepare to drill to reach 40 workers trapped in a collapse tunnel since weekend
- Jurors begin deliberating in the trial of the man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband
- Nevada’s attorney general is investigating fake electors in 2020 for Trump, AP source says
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Appeals court frees attorney from having to join, pay dues to Louisiana bar association, for now
Ranking
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Long-haul carrier Emirates orders 15 Airbus A350 after engine dispute during Dubai Air Show
- 'Aaron's a big boy': Jets coach Robert Saleh weighs in on potential Rodgers return from injury
- Experts decode 'cozy' dress code for Beyoncé film premiere: 'I do not foresee simplicity'
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Biden campaign goes on the offensive on immigration, decrying scary Trump plans
- Demonstrators calling for Gaza cease-fire block bridge in Boston
- Michigan has no records of Connor Stalions filing any expense reports, FOIA request shows
Recommendation
Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
The Roots co-founder Tariq Black Thought Trotter says art has been his saving grace: My salvation
UN agency report says Iran has further increased its uranium stockpile
Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig seeks accountability for attacker ahead of his sentencing
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Long-haul carrier Emirates orders 15 Airbus A350 after engine dispute during Dubai Air Show
Greece fines local branches of J&J and Colgate-Palmolive for allegedly breaching a profit cap
Authorities in New York say they’ve made largest-ever seizure of knock-off goods - more than $1B