NASA warns of two asteroids' close encounter with Earth

Asteroids 2024 YA10 (20.42m, 42,960 kph) and 2024 BM1 (21.03m, 32,650 kph) to pass near Earth.

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NASA has alerted the public about two asteroids, 2024 YA10 and 2024 BM1, set to have close encounters with Earth this Wednesday.

However, the space agency has reassured that these asteroids pose no threat to the planet's safety.

The first asteroid, 2024 YA10, is about 20.42 metres in diameter and will be traveling at a speed of 43,000 kilometres per hour.

It will make its closest approach to Earth at 3:55 pm, coming within 3.39 million kilometres of our planet.

While this distance may seem small in astronomical terms, it is still considered safe by NASA standards.

The second asteroid, 2024 BM1, is slightly larger at 21.03 metres in diameter and is moving at a slightly slower speed of 32,650 kilometres per hour.

This asteroid will pass Earth at 5:23 pm, maintaining a safe distance of 4.41 million kilometres.

NASA emphasised that neither asteroid meets the criteria to be classified as a Potentially Hazardous Object (PHO). To qualify as a PHO, objects must exceed 150 metres in diameter and come within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth.

Both 2024 YA10 and 2024 BM1 fall well below these thresholds, ensuring there is no risk to Earth’s inhabitants.

NASA closely tracks such Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) using both ground-based and space-based telescopes. Key observatories, like the Catalina Sky Survey and NEOWISE, play a vital role in monitoring these objects and ensuring they do not pose a danger.

In addition to the asteroid flybys, the Quadrantid meteor shower is currently visible to stargazers around the world.

This annual event, which peaked from Thursday night into Friday morning, is expected to remain visible until January 16. With up to 120 shooting stars visible per hour, the meteor shower offers skywatchers a chance to witness fiery trails created by debris from asteroid 2003 EH1.

While both the meteor shower and asteroid encounters are exciting for space enthusiasts, NASA assures the public that Earth remains safe, and there is no cause for concern.

Skywatchers are encouraged to enjoy the Quadrantids and keep an eye on the night sky for both meteors and the passing asteroids.