Current:Home > reviewsThis Valentine's Day, love is in the air and a skyscraper-sized asteroid is whizzing past Earth -Clarity Finance Guides
This Valentine's Day, love is in the air and a skyscraper-sized asteroid is whizzing past Earth
View
Date:2025-04-15 10:18:50
It's Valentine's Day, meaning love is in the atmosphere and a giant space rock is expected to pass by just outside of it. Well, maybe not that close, but still pretty close – 4.6 million kilometers or roughly 2.86 million miles – to be more precise.
The asteroid, named 2024 BR4 by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), is loosely estimated to measure between 140 and 300 meters, or 459 and 984 feet in diameter, which is taller than most skyscrapers. Due to its size, it has been deemed "potentially hazardous" by NASA.
Here's what to know about the celestial event.
We're not the only ones with an eclipse:Mars rover captures moon whizzing by sun's outline
When will asteroid 2024 BR4 pass by Earth?
Asteroid 2024 BR4 will pass by Earth on Feb. 14, 2024, around 11:00 UTC.
What is asteroid 2024 BR4?
See a video:NASA tracked a stadium-size asteroid that passed by Earth but was not a threat
The asteroid was first observed during the automatic Catalina Sky Survey in January and was soon after determined to be about 12 million kilometers, or 7.5 million miles, from Earth. It has since approached Earth steadily but is not expected to pass any closer than 4.6 million kilometers, which is still relatively close: a little less than twelve times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
2024 BR4 is believed to be part of a group of asteroids called Apollo, which has an orbit that sometimes overlaps with Earth's. Despite the group's closeness to our planet, scientists don't anticipate any significant impact threat for a few centuries.
Should we be worried about the asteroid?
While the object is traveling through space at about 9.86 kilometers per second, NASA has assured there is no threat of collision. With a tracking system that has recorded 33,000 near-Earth objects, the organization keeps close tabs on all observable space bodies that get a little too close.
This Valentine's Day is the closest this specific space object will get to Earth for the next 120 years, meaning we can rest assured that this asteroid, at least, isn't out to get us anytime soon.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- 'Tales of Middle-earth' tempts and divides 'Magic' fans with 'LotR' crossover
- See Jeremy Renner Walk on Anti-Gravity Treadmill Amid Recovery From Snowplow Accident
- Kate Spade Jaw-Dropping Deals: Last Day to Save 80% On Handbags, Satchels, Totes, Jewelry, and More
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- 2 Rembrandts have been hidden in a private collection for 200 years. Now they're headed to auction.
- Inside Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth's Drama-Free Decision to Divorce
- Have tech skills, will work. Why IT jobs remain hot despite mass layoffs
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Wizards of Waverly Place Showrunner Confirms Theories About Alex Russo’s Sexuality
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Google says it will start blocking Canadian news stories in response to new law
- Nordstrom Rack's Amazing Clear the Rack Sale Has $8 Skirts, $5 Bralettes & More 80% Off Deals
- We ranked the top 10 'Final Fantasy' mainline games
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- A remarkable new view of the Titanic shipwreck is here, thanks to deep-sea mappers
- Here’s Why TikTok Is So Obsessed With e.l.f. Makeup — and Why You Will Be, Too
- 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' Preview: New devices and powers to explore
Recommendation
Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expands migrant bus operation, sending first group to Denver
Mitch Landrieu is Biden's man to rebuild America and deliver broadband to millions
30 years ago, one decision altered the course of our connected world
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
This high school senior's science project could one day save lives
Robert Gates criticizes White House for being slow to approve weapons to Ukraine
Heartbroken Shawn Johnson East Shares Her Kids Were on Lockdown Due to Nashville School Shooting