A massive asteroid that is as large as the size of a big aeroplane is now hurtling towards Earth. Asteroid 2023 OF1 is approaching Earth at a high speed of 38643 kmph and is set to come closest to the planet today (August 2), as per NASA data.
NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard revealed a new Asteroid 2023 OF1 which is expected to make an uncomfortably close approach towards Earth.
As per NASA data, the asteroid measures a whopping 120-foot size, as big as an aeroplane and it will make a close approach of just 4.2 million miles. The scary part is that it is rushing at a blazing speed of 38643 kmph.
Even though the chances of Asteroid 2023 OF1 hitting the earth are slim and it does not come under the category of potentially hazardous asteroids, NASA is keeping a close and constant watch on it to ensure it passes as per its trajectory.
Sometimes the asteroids deviate from their paths due to various reasons including the planet’s gravitational effect. These gravitational disruptions can send asteroids hurtling from the main belt into space, crossing the orbits of other planets along the way.
These stray asteroids and their fragments have left their mark on Earth and other planets, reshaping their geological history and influencing the evolution of life itself. For instance, the Chelyabinsk asteroid that exploded over the city of Russia in 2013, injuring over 1000 people and damaging nearly 8000 buildings.