Over the recent months, Earth has witnessed the passage of numerous asteroids. These celestial bodies approach our planet as they interact with the gravitational pull of massive entities like Jupiter. This gravitational interaction disrupts their trajectories, redirecting them towards Earth and raising concerns about potential impacts. Utilizing its advanced ground and space-based observational tools, NASA has provided insights into an asteroid set to pass by Earth today, March 12, coming unusually close to our planet.
Asteroid 2015 FM34: Details
NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies has designated the asteroid as Asteroid 2015 FM34. This space rock is hurtling through its orbit at an astounding speed of approximately 39,837 kilometers per hour, surpassing the velocity of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. According to the US Space Agency, on March 12, this asteroid will approach as close as 7.4 million kilometers to Earth.
Despite being categorized as a Near-Earth Asteroid, NASA assures that Asteroid 2015 FM34 is not expected to collide with our planet’s surface. However, it is noteworthy for its significant size compared to other passing asteroids. Measuring nearly 350 feet wide, it rivals the dimensions of a large building.
Asteroid 2015 FM34 is part of the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, characterized by their semi-major axes larger than Earth’s. These asteroids are named after the colossal 1862 Apollo asteroid, discovered by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth in the 1930s.
Previous Approaches
Asteroid 2024 CL3 has a history of passing by Earth. Its initial encounter with our planet occurred on April 24, 1946, when it approached from a distance of nearly 72 million kilometers. NASA reports that following today’s pass, this asteroid is set to approach again on March 17, 2027, this time at a closer distance of 7.2 million kilometers. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor these asteroids to reduce uncertainties surrounding their near encounters.