A newly spotted asteroid, about the size of a bus, is zooming by Earth on March 12. It will pass closer than the Moon, flying silently over Antarctica. Fortunately, there’s no risk to our planet or its natural satellite.
This asteroid, known as 2026 EG1, will make its closest approach at 11:27 p.m. EDT (03:27 GMT on March 13). During this time, it will be about 197,466 miles (317,791 kilometers) away, speeding by at 21,513 miles per hour (34,621 kilometers per hour). Before this close flyby, it will also pass the Moon.
Discovered on March 8, 2023, 2026 EG1 takes about 655 days to orbit the Sun. Its path stretches from near Earth’s orbit to beyond Mars. The next time it comes close to any planet will be on September 13, 2186, when it will be about 7.5 million miles (12.1 million kilometers) from Mars.
NASA is currently tracking over 41,000 near-Earth asteroids. This number is expected to grow as the Vera Rubin Observatory continues its searches, having already found 2,000 new solar system bodies.
While the number of asteroids may seem daunting, NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies has reassured us that no major asteroid strikes that could cause serious damage are anticipated over the next century. Still, NASA is being proactive. They are running mock scenarios and developing redirect missions to prepare for any possible future asteroid threats.
Interestingly, public interest in asteroids is growing. Social media is buzzing with reactions to this flyby, as people share updates and observatory images. Online discussions show many viewers are eager to learn about how such large celestial objects travel through our solar system.
The study of asteroids gives us vital insights into our universe. They act like time capsules, preserving materials from the early solar system. By understanding their paths and compositions, scientists can better predict potential threats and learn more about the origins of our planet.
