What are Asteroids?
We have all heard about the term asteroids many times. The most famous one is the one which hit the earth millions of years ago and made all dinosaurs disappear. But what exactly is an asteroid?
According to NASA Asteroids are small Rocky objects and the planet orbiting the sun meaning the day rotates around it.
Asteroids are smaller or larger than planets in our solar system. There are thousands and thousands of asteroids, most of them between Mars and Jupiter; this zone is called the asteroid belt. They have irregular shapes, sizes and non-identical forms.
We might know that centuries ago when no humankind was born, a vast inverted body collided with the planet (Earth) which led to the extinction of the very living species of the planet (Earth) known as Dinosaurs.
15th September 2024 – Asteroids Close Approach to Earth
Now, NASA said that on 15th September 2024, an asteroid will collide with the planet Earth at high speed.
A high alert has been issued by NASA that on 15 September a meteoroid or an asteroid will collide with the planet Earth leading to the mass destruction of the planet which cannot be ignored under any circumstances.
The question is will it lead to the destruction of all humankind along with other creatures of our planet Earth?
Nowadays we must have seen information regarding the asteroids coming towards Earth on various social media platforms such as Instagram, and Facebook. News prevailing is that an asteroid (720 feet) is moving at the speed of 25000 miles/hour. Asteroids will pass near the earth and can be proven as a big threat to our planet. It will pass with a distance of 62000 miles. It is 2.6 times the distance between Earth and the moon although the distance is vast scientists are anxious about it.
The name of the Asteroid is “2024 ON”
Even though there are not many chances for it to collide with Earth, NASA is keeping an eye on it. According to the scientist, monitoring and preparation for such incidents is very crucial so that any possible threat can be dealt with in future.
Size of the Asteroid –
The size of the asteroid is about 720 ft which is equal to 2 football grounds. A slide change in the route of the asteroid can lead to the mass destruction of the planet.
It was disclosed in NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observation. Program that the objective of this program is to identify asteroids or objects coming close to the Earth.
Composition Of Asteroids
PREPARATIONS FOR ASTEROIDS
The largest country in the world is also preparing for the danger coming from the asteroids. Even India is also preparing against ISRO Chief Doctor A.S. Somnath has also shared his views on the same. In an interview, Doctor Somnath described that if this asteroid collided with the planet. Earth could lead to the extinction of all the humankind and species living on the planet Earth.
JPL – JET PREULSION LABORATORY
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)of NASA along with other agencies are keeping a close eye on the activities of the asteroid and its movement within the universe. JPL scientists are collecting detailed data on the shape and structure of asteroid “2024 O” using advanced radar and optical telescopes to help predict any possible destruction which are extremely important in developing security strategies.
PDC
NASA’s planetary navigation function PDC identifies such objects and monitors them for possible destruction. The purpose of PDC is to track them in time and take necessary steps to protect the Earth from possible disasters. This type of monitoring is done only by the scientific community. Not only does this help to avail valuable information, but effective measures can be taken to reduce potential problems in the future.
NASA –
NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is an independent branch of the United States that conducts research on space through satellites and draws spacecraft to investigate it. It is engaged in exploring space programs. Instruments and various devices are prepared in NASA with the help of which scientists can research the surface of the Earth and the rotation of other planets. It explores not only what’s inside a solar system but also what’s next to it. Here new inventions take place which work to make the life of mankind easier.
ISRO
ISRO STANDS FOR INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION. It is the largest space agency in India which oversees and maintains national space resources. ISRO is a well-known space agency in the world situated in Bangalore, Karnataka which brings glory to India. It was established on 15 August 1959. Founded by Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (known as father of ISRO). More than 17000 people are employed in ISRO. Many Indian space programs were started through this research in 1965 marking the success across the country.
Functions of ISRO –
Now let us discuss What are the main functions of ISRO?
- 1)The primary task of ISRO is to achieve complete design and development of a space launch vehicle system or surrounding system and sounding rocket and to launch them similarly.
- 2) Designing communication satellites from time to time for the telecommunication television broadcasting security needs and social applications of the Indian public.
- 3) Designing the best space and ground-based systems for the operation of large ships and closely following their development and progress.
- 4) ISRO satellite is designed to completely monitor the map of all types of resources obtained by nature.
- 5)ISRO is also responsible for many management issues such as management of natural resources that support management and contribution to social applications.
ISRO is also engaged in tracking of the asteroid. For tracking the asteroid Network For Space Objects Tracking and Analysis- AITRA Project is going on.
Now for the answer to the question of whether this asteroid will collide with Earth or not.
NASA’s report clearly states that there is not even the slightest possibility of this asteroid hitting the Earth. If any chance it collides with our planet, it might lead to the loss of humankind. So, there is no need to panic much for the same.
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